4-18-12

[vaalski]

Eight and Two

Here's the thing: I walked away, back
straight and ready for the blade that sunk hilt
deep into the base of a ramrod spine, walked
away and tried my hardest to not
look back or raise my hand to stem the tide of blood. Watch
the way I move, stiff
and stilted, like there is still
something left unhealed, not
all the time but often enough, one knee
gone out from me, paralytic, weak and wounded
down one side, and I limp, but less with every year that passes.
I walked away, brother, walked of my own free will,
and I have payed my blood debts, and I
will heal and rise again.