I don’t remember where it came from, although that’s no surprise anymore. But I do remember what it means. I am the Shield, and She is the Sword. A Shield can be a weapon unto itself. Wielded with hammer blows. But a Sword is superior. A Sword can be a defence method. Who wants to walk into a whirling blade? But a Shield is superior. This long suffering metaphor is intended to emphasise the power of being together.

Semifictional pain He warned her. Warned her that he was dangerous. She laughed it off. How could someone so perfect be dangerous? She didn’t realise her foolishness. Of course. Ignored the rumbling of her gut. Her gut knew the bitter truth in his words. Chewed on that kernel, shouted a warning. Kept shouting, but was overruled. She was blinkered by lust. Of course. She should have known better. Should have seen what was in front of her.

Those are the words of someone who shattered my trust. And yet I still repeat those words like a mantra. Despite all she took from me, she gave me those words. Those words of power. Perhaps they were even worth all the pain. Perhaps. Because they are so fundamentally true. The only answer, when life sucks, is keep going. “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” — Winston Churchill Churchill said it first, of course.

I had a heart First a flutter, a false first love Then a taste of reality, or so I thought Lies exposed soon after Heart shattered once Then someone to help me pick up the pieces A someone of brutal honesty The only antidote to the assassination of trust But just not quite meant to be Heart shattered twice I had a heart Now I need a new one This one’s broken