When I awoke, she was watching me
Her kind brown eyes, filled with wonder.
None had ever given me such a look
Nor shown me such mercy as she.

Though I told her to stay away
Though I scorned her generosity,
And showed her that I was a monster…

She smiled at me.

Her laugh, though once a rare occurrence
Now sings in my ears and heart.
Now, this sweet cherubim never stops smiling
At me, a creature of darkness.

But even as she holds my hand every morning,
And smiles at all she sees,
I shall never forget the first morning…

She smiled at me.