A Memory to Carry With You
The weight is spread across the body. It's usually hard to notice.
And every time it stains your hands, it adds a little of that weight. Every time it soaks into your hands, they're a little harder to lift.
The more involved you are, the more blood that coats you, the more that soaks in.
Maybe you failed to save a life.
Maybe you made a mistake.
It stains more every time.
Imagine a bowling ball in your hands. A single being's sanguine weight to carry with you forever.
And every time it stains your hands, it adds a little of that weight. It soaks in, and it never leaves.
Clapping them in applause.
Raising them in exuberance.
Clasping them as you embrace a loved one.
We were only meant to carry our own blood. We stay safe by carrying only our own blood.
As the stains deepen, wonder: how much blood does it take before you can no longer lift your hands? How many lives before you are consigned to an equal fate? How long before the weight begins to tear at your ligaments?
So when I first held you, my doll, I struggled.
It was not you that was so heavy, but ichor freshly soaked.
Because blood is far too heavy, especially for me.
But I can still lift my hands.
And so, I can still hold you.
With time and burden came the strength needed to lift a wide brimmed hat atop my head.
I choose my life and I choose my Purpose, and with that strength I choose my doll.
I choose to cherish it, guide it, keep it safe, and show it the love it deserves.
I choose a world where I can still lift my arms to hold it.
I only hope that it can forgive my clumsiness, as I'm still getting used to the weight.