when the world fell dark, i shuttered because i knew.
i waited for days by the sea. i wished foolishly for the sun's return,
for the warmth of your eyes.

on the third day, i found you washed up, your wings stitched together with golden fleece.
your eyes were bruised, lifeless, and your hair, covered in sand.
i carried your salt soaked body onto the shore.
your hands were scorched, flesh falling from the bone.

i gathered stones from the water and sharpened one upon the others,
and cut a hole into your chest.
i pierced both my hands and pressed them against you.
my head fell and i closed my eyes.
i felt everything from years away. all that you had lived,
the days you carried the light with you,
and the burden that it was.

you awoke to the skies calling your name.
your eyes burned as hot as the sun you once held. your hands, aching, but healed. i brushed the sand from your hair with my fingers.

i asked you how it had happened but you didn't remember. you cried so long, until i didn't know what were tears or tides.
you took my hand just before your horses came to claim you
and then you whispered,

"here i'll stay, gold.
forever gold."