i never told you the truth
that i recongized your lies
and loved you so much
i kept your secret
i pretended not to see
the hate that sometimes
made your eyes red and hot
like the burner on the stove
i imagined you were my equal
and worthy of the respect
i freely offered
even after you offered
only pain and disappointment
i love you still 
after all these years
there is no room for anger
in the space you occupy
in my soul
for i hold within that frame
a moment captured in 
sharp focus:
you held my hand
we walked the beach
the red sun retiring 
to the song of ocean birds
the salty breeze carried
your breath and mine
to the far place that is
still our home