Warden

The eternal question

Of such color and such stripe

Doesn’t seem to matter

To you, my ward.

I’ve held you close for

Oh so long, wrapped my arms

Around your neck.

It’s almost painful though -

I only ever saw you when

You felt that I was needed.

But, I know our bond is strong.

I’ve watched you grow

And have never left or betrayed

Like some others I could mention.

My love, my purpose,

Can you feel the warmth 

of my heart, spreading?

Protecting you from the cold?

My heart beating slowly

Until I see your face-

Waiting in anticipation

For that fated moment

In which my purpose is

Fulfilled once more.

I am guardian, and friend.

And though I know

That there will be times you

Will realize that you want me

I remain confident in you.

We knew I could not be together

Forever- that’s just not our way.

Though I surely wish we could.

Deep down inside however,

It warms my heart to see your

Love once more, this time for

Another- one who needs me.

Though we part now, in my soul

I’ve never been more proud of you,

My precious ward.

Your heart is so warm-

I trust you, my young ward,

To endure the cold alone.