my heart looked in the mirror and cried today

we sat holding hands,

i asked how i could help and winced

as she tried to smile around her bruised cheek in gratitude

i the culprit, watched her fall, remorsefully

put my foot out and told her that it would be okay

that she'd be strong enough to take it

a bruised heart can be fatal google says

concerned i propped her up against my prayers

she gripped a rib and moved along slowly

the hard part will be over soon

you will live in euphoria all your days

i promised, i hoped, i pleaded with God

willing, strong, yearning

she hunkered down taking blow after blow

"i can take a little more", she reassured

but exhaustion set in and she fell so hard,

left me shaking my head, astounded, humbled, shamed

by how much she's willing to endure for 3 words