It is essential I remember
ours was a fair exchange.
We were a happy consequence
to paths of darkness
in a world
no less terrible or strange
for all our years of toiling
through it.
I valued you for what I took.
That burning in you bright
illuminated our collision;
your phosphorescence still
must be reckoned with
when night
heretic with your memory
trespasses.
God knows we were; though such love
did not a kingdom come to us,
each other’s wood of destiny has lit.
You found your clearing; I fathom mine.
We have had the best of it…
