Outstretched hands pointing to the rising hills
The hesitation of their feet on the ground
Self-sacrifice
"Run! Run! I will hold them off!"
First the guilt of the survivor
Burying it down deep so he does not face it
Ill-mannered
He knows he could've done more to save her
The mediation of the stranger
Knowing not the full weight of the loss
Yet still
Trying to settle the bid for blood between
The anger of the left-behind
Rearing his wrathful head at the survivor
Of course
He thinks he could have done better if he were there
Clenched fists against the table
The hesitation to put their hands on the shoulder
Self-slaughter
"Go! Go! I never needed you!"
