18 years,
You bared the agony,
Burned bridges,
Hid the tears.
I laughed and smiled,
While your red eyes burned in pain.

7 years,
I used to ignore the roaring dragon,
It’s fiery breath,
And father-like figure.
Feeling frightened,
I cried till the cave fell silent,
Then fell asleep under the dark night’s sky.

10 years,
I used to ask if everything was okay,
You always sighed and looked away.
A youngling like me wouldn’t understand.
I reached out to hug you, as you silently screamed through your eyes.

13 years,
I understood,
The countless times you ran away,
The countless times you had enough.
I stepped in, but burned by the dragon.

17 years,
I’ll end your suffering,
Be a compass to guide you through.
You who protected me from the dangerous dragon,
Who healed my aching blisters,

18 years, I will bare your agony,
Burn your bridges,
Share the tears.