Misunderstanding Poem by Warren Augustus de Guzman

'May I take your hand and hold it in mine? '
'As long as you never let go.'

The words shattered his spine.
He recoiled,
The once smooth and suave cobra
Now frightened and pale,
Fleeing from the exposed fangs,
Of the defiant mongoose.

'What’s wrong? '
'Its nothing, I, I have to go.'

The words fell harshly on her ears.
She faltered,
The once bold and dashing knight
Now unsure and doubtful,
Shying away from his duty,
The helpless princess.

'Wait! Don’t leave me here alone.'
'I, I, I’ll stay by your side till you are home.'

The words crush the night.
It sputtered,
The once glorious epic romance,
Now a sad standstill,
Flames and fire dying,
Revealing fading embers.