Another Fairytale for My Collection

When I was young, I longed for war.
When I grew old, I walked along the
shore of a blood river and longed for
peace. Neither came when I called
but waited just out of reach. For who
can command such times as these?

ª

Warm crimson steals down the silver lip, stripping its purity, its clean
edge. A light winces under a clogged drain and bounces off the metal
blade with a fornicating touch. Not the kind of glow which dispels the
spell of a night such as this. It is a light which prefers the vile alley wall,
to hang like a man guilty at the gallows with foul interest. Another
swing as swift and moving as a morning’s rise. Red covers the brick and
kisses down to the cracked pavement where countless, unspoken acts
have begun a darker path for the ones who once walked unashamed in
the sun. Tonight, there is yet another and she stands cross-kneed in
shadow. Her head barely touches a windowsill, just as her little hand
cannot touch or hold hope. She does not understand that the man with
the sword is not a man. His fingers burn around the grip with anger, with
love, with an ancient honor that is given to those who overcome. She
supposes he is her new father and she will not have to die alone. But
there is a pale and slender form, its body bent bare in attack, its mouth
full of seductive song. It sings about smooth skin, innocent eyes, heroine
wealth, and love of self. The man brings the blade down through the
stream of defilement where it spears an ashen arm. The shape screams
like a halting train along its prison rails. Who said demons don’t bleed?
You just need a weapon of wisdom. This is just the beginning. Yet it is
a moment among many moments that store their pain in the records
of heaven and humankind. The silver edge burrows into the demon neck
and cuts the root from the vine. The girl will survive but it will be much
longer before she tastes life. I’m sorry. I’m just an angel. She steps
bravely toward his light, though it is heavy like a mountain fog. I’ve
been told you’re a great warrior. Now I see. Such a small child
commanded me. She wishes she could keep him close, her body and
mind are weak. He will come when she calls for her spirit is strong.