Hector's Farewell

My son.

My dear, dear son.

I wonder

What you will think

Of the man who has left you behind,

To fight in this petty war.

The man who spent his life,

Drenched in the blood of his enemies,

Pursuing a life filled with conflict,

Just to be remembered.

Perhaps you'd have called me foolish,

Or reprimanded me

If you could use that innocent tongue of yours.

Or perhaps all you shall feel is disdain.

Disdain for the man who left his wife,

And his child,

Only to end up watering the fatherland with his own blood.

You won't remember how I swung you in my arms,

Or how I tenderly kissed your forehead

When we were to be torn from each other.

Astyanax, please do not blame me too much.

I loved you. To leave you was the only way

I knew to ensure your safety.

Please, survive.