I am that prince
With a razor sword who
Ventured into that twisted
Thorny forest which
None thus far survived,
I am that knight
In armour bright who
Refused to fear the vines
And spines
And bubbling vitriol,
I am the man
Clothed now in rags,
Torn flesh and bleeding
Heart labouring for
Lack of air and
Hurting for the lack of love
In the little ways,
The ways that count,
The ways that nourish
A relationship
And make sacrifice
Not just worthwhile
But a joyous act
Of service to one
I love,
Dragging myself
Upon all emaciated fours
Through fresh thrown
Mud and hard edged
Indifference,
I am a pile of bones
Bleached by the sun,
Gnawed upon by wolves,
Bereft of flesh yet
Bearing even now
A kiss to wake
My sleeping
Beauty
Found this finished but still oddly in drafts. Exploring the tragedy of trying to reach someone who would rather be right and die alone than risk happiness.