Victory

Authors note: Woman, beaten, desperate, grabs a knife with deadly results. Her husband's final moments:


Victory


You've got to stop me!
-i cried, but... not out loud.

endless years,
helpless, i've watched
you feed my demon:
your bloodshot eyes,
unfair apologies,
sickening cries.

You've got to stop me!
-i cried, but... not out loud.

i built a storybook couple;
the tale turned terribly wrong:
"Beauty and the Beast"
and a sickening twist.

You've got to stop me!
-i cried, but... not out loud.

we made our home under siege,
in my ruthless shadow,
ashamed to even guess
when sickness wakens next.

flash of metal,
sting of blade:
my heart quickens!
-you truly care.

but in my dying moments,
your tears caress my cheek
and taunt my heart.

don't wash away your awakening-
our first and final victory.
I wanted so much better
for you, my love.