despised you, i did, beast-
dancing to love ballads
at a midnight hour
with my arms held in yours.

I still remember
our numbered days together
When I started at the deadly blade
Meant to kill you
And your monstrous kin
Unable to slide it into your neck
Although I was supposed to.

I was supposed to
But I didn't.

I can still see
Your sharp fanged maw
Your coarse brown fur
Your warm heart

All of which lay with you
Ensanguinated
By my own cruel kind.

How I despised myself that day
For not leaping in front of you
When the doors came crashing down.