Dreaded

I know you always feared

my questioning eyes.

I know their sorrow left you speechless.

I know you approached me with such

Hesitation, reproach, disgust.

You always loathed meeting me

As I was.

I always loved meeting

your fearful eyes.

I still smirk at their dilation.

I remember how they quivered

And my chin dipped lower,

Welcoming the shadows to follow.

I basked in your pain and just

Hoped it was anywhere close to mine.

To catch a glimpse of my darkness

was a triumph,

For my life you gave yours.

I know you never forgot what you did.

I hate knowing that

We are the same:

Dreaded we rest.