memory lane

See that swing
Hanging from that tree branch
I remember a child
So young so innocent
Protected in this place
“Push me higher” a voice calls
Laughter answers
A game of tag brings joy to those faces
Rolling in grass and mud puddle splashes
Fun was alive then.
Only a warped memory
Fate turned a corner
When it attacked
With bared teeth and a growl to match
We ran in terror, screamed in fear
You sacrificed yourself to save my life
I live with the guilt that I survived
I can never repay you and I didn’t want to believe
That monster took my best friend away from me
Little time passes yet it feels like much longer
I come back to this place every day to remember
I’ve been alone forever it seems
I desperately wish to forget those things
As I sit on the swing
The same one we played on
I remember, then something forms in my eyes
For what has been like an eternity I cry