I rode
With the King’s companion cavalry
Across three continents
I saw battles with foes
Countless and fierce
I was wounded
Repeatedly
My armor pierced
But none of it injured me
None of it hurt
Nearly as much
As when you weren’t there
When I returned
I know you suffered
I know you couldn’t wait
When the Gods demanded
Your presence in Elysium
You had to come
It was an act of fate
But my love
I am here
And you are gone
And I am undone
And the toll of victory
Is more painful than all battles lost
The cost is worse
Than any gains
By battles won
I am alone
And the laurels they’d have me wear
Are bitter remnants
Of failure
