The emotion in which I felt as you sat beside me,

stroking my hand and speaking of our first times.

How I would smile and nod, reminiscing of us,

beloved heart of mine, whom I felt was running.

How the small dark fist of doubt lodged firmly,

Impossible to loosen as it unfurled, choking

away whatever hope lingered as your eyes

gazed at mine. And I knew this was it, the end,

we would have no happy ending my beloved one,

and then you slipped to one knee before me,

and something within me let loose.

Finally, my hope and doubt were free.