Guard Me

A hazy knock on the door to see you,

After years of no contact and rumors,

Standing with a baby boy and a look

Like you know you need help now.

I ask no questions and let you both in,

And you instantly beg me, pleading

He needs to be safe, and I can't...

I won't... I swear... Please... I need you.

No hesitation, I agree, but with conditions

I know will be broken before dawn breaks.

I don't want you to leave, but I already know

Because time doesn't change everything;

Just teaches us to no longer expect things.

You nod and introduce us to each other.

His large eyes watching vigilantly

As I introduce myself and talk to him

And ask him about himself though he refuses

most of my advances like you used to.

I feed both of you, despite the time,

And put you in the room and wait.

Ad daybreak, like clockwork, he screams

And I go in to calm him down again.

Alone in a room, clutching faded remnants,

I awake to tears on my pillow again.