they say they want to be strong
enough
to be around
to understand
to observe
and maybe love
you

they say they mean it
meant it
from the start
that they wanted
to know all of you
the dark side
included

and then
oh when
you complied
oh dear
oh how their faces
changed
how they erupted
and fell to ashes
white bleak softened
by the pressure – heat

silly
when you try
to press a smile
onto the giving
canvas
paint an angel
into the devil’s dirt
watch winds wield
their airsword
across the deadly dreaded
surface

they watch
you know
they trust
you’ll let go
before you give up
on straddling
or riding
yet another
of your demonic explosion

and they beg
for
what

don’t lie
I know you
suffer

I won’t
just tell
the truth

KH