autumn twilight

My friend,
I love you.

I honor the life that you live,
and each moment of your glory.
I honor your strength and sincerity,
and each wound you suffer wounds me.

I love you,
and will never leave, though you may
push me away in anger.

I love you,
though you may not wish my hands or hug,
and may turn on me today.

I love you,
quietly, in the darkness where
nobody can see.

I love you,
loudly, against the naysayers and
doom-sayers and hatred.

I love you,
In your sorrow and suffering,
and In your joy and celebration.

I love you,
I will not turn away from you.
I will face you, armed only with my love.
I will honor you, bare chested, with open heart.
I will counter you, and provide the foil you need,
though it wounds me.
I will touch you, though my hand may be burned.
I will love you, even in the long night,
when we cry and suffer.

I love you.