The Destroyer 

The early morning seemed

unusually dark

like India ink.

You slept a few feet

from my eyes

of fatherly concern.

I had been awakened

by the stirring of angels

and hurried 

to your door.

There was

near you

the Destroyer

who seeks only to

kill

steal

and destroy.

The paternal sword I bore

was unchallenged by his

and within several 

chilled moments

he vanished.

All this occurred 

long ago.

Indeed

I had forgotten about it

until, once more

the Destroyer

visited me.

He comes now

with sword sheathed.

His rattling laughter is his

blade of cruelty.

He reminds me

it is he

that divides us.

You have never told me

my crimes

that stand between father and daughter

ceasing all conversation

all familial affection. 

This night is darker than the former.

Like you

the Destroyer

does not talk.

Conversation has no merit.

He simply sits and laughs.

I forbid him

and he leaves.

Just like that long-ago night.

But every day

the Destroyer finds a seat

smiling with derision

and I bid him leave.

But he returns each day

and has for years.

My crime must be dreadful.

It comes with a death sentence.