I Will Protect You

I recently discovered
that what I expected to be a mature god-like leader
turned out to be a small shrinking child.
He is joyful at times but usually closes his eyes and tucks his chin
for fear of being hurt by the world.

I promised to protect him, he became elated
and we giggled joyously together for a while.
He had so often felt abandoned,
unprotected and uninstructed in the ways of the world
that this new parent like influence was a great relief to him,
even though we both know that I am nothing compared to him.

He rides on my left shoulder
when I am there for him,
usually not out in the open
but at least there
where he will know
when it is safe to come out.

I will protect you my dear friend.
Come and play.
I will forever explain to you, that the violence in the world
is not directed at you, or anyone,
that carelessenss is just an accident and not a personal attack,
and that your own mistakes are not your own.
And you will show me what I have been missing.

Happily
he tugs on my sleeve when he sees an opportunity to love,
and sometimes now instead of just walking away I take him,
or he takes me,
we lead each other where we could not go before,
before we had each other.