hold

i face the world

with my fire in my eyes,

i look back

when i run,

my hands know

my sheath -

and the blades

i lick clean.

(i was born to fight).

i face you

with water in my soul,

your hands

cover my eyes,

and your fingers

lock into mine -

even when i dig my nails

into your flesh.

(you say: fight me instead).

and i fall into you

like a heap

of tired limbs

lay my head

on your chest.

and i surrender

to your heart

because i never

stood a chance

against the man

who claimed me.

(you vs me).