Victory's Cost

I clench my fists, adrenaline rushes,

that night felt like fire, igniting the crushes.

I stood tall and proud, though the victory's sweet,

my heart bears the weight of regret at my feet.

Blood lingers still on the cracked sidewalk’s face,

a reminder of strength, a hollow embrace.

You fell to the ground, our shadows entwined,

yet I’m haunted by echoes of anger unkind.

Each punch was a promise I thought made me brave,

yet the silence that followed became my own grave.

What triumph is worth a soul in despair,

when the face of the enemy wears someone I care?