once.

you’d be shocked, you’d think.

to walk from one set of arms

to another

and feel everything change

a sonic dissonance

vibrations in the air

choking throats

beating hearts

disturbances

but they can’t distinguish

what i can with my eyes

and that’s your eyes

burying themselves into my chest

because they can’t bear to look up

(it’s overwhelming)

i’m telling you

i’m here to guard your heart

against where it’s been

and what it’s been through

paladin, stand tall

help me

help you

just this once.