The Burden of Sacrifice

In a lifetime devoted to protecting those I love,
I made choices that haunt me, like whispers from above.
Each day, they kill me, relentless strife,
Yet love guided my path, throughout my life.

I chose to shield them from pain and despair,
To save them heartache, disappointment, and wear.
But as life crumbled, and everything fell,
I found myself blamed, trapped in a bitter cell.

They never saw the hell I endured in my core,
For I sheltered them from the hardships I bore.
They couldn't understand the choices I made,
As I shielded them from truths, in darkness they stayed.

Now burdened with blame, as if I've done wrong,
Standing as the cause of heartache so strong.
I never realized the chain I set in motion,
Protecting them from life's tumultuous ocean.

I had no inkling of the fall that awaited,
While sacrificing my essence, my hopes abated.
Selfless choices, hurting my soul each day,
Made out of love, to keep emptiness at bay.

But in the end, as the fall came crashing near,
They carried the hurt, their hearts filled with fear.
They believe it's my fault, the emptiness they bear,
For I sheltered them from life's brutal affairs.

I never foresaw this consequence, so severe,
Blinded by love, I sacrificed without a clear,
That the fallout would paint me as the one to blame,
Leaving me shattered, drowning in shame.

The fall was unforeseen, as I gave my all,
Unaware of the price, my spirit took the fall.
Though they carry emptiness, thinking it's my crime,
It's the burden I bear, haunting me all the time.

For in the depths of love, choices were made,
To spare them pain, in shadows, I stayed.
But the wounds remain, a relentless sting,
As they believe I caused this suffering.

Oh, the anguish I feel, knowing their hearts ache,
Believing I'm the source of their sorrow's wake.
Yet, I made those choices with love in my heart,
To shield them, hoping their lives could restart.

In this hollow existence, this lingering strife,
I bear the weight of sacrifice, the remnants of life.
For, in the end, the fall they carry alone,
As I silently endure, my pain was left unknown.

But in my heart, love's flame still burns bright,
A testament to the choices made in the night.
May they someday glimpse the truth I hold dear,
And see the love that fueled every tear.

For the burden of sacrifice, I carry within,
A testament to a love that's pure and akin.
In this poem's lament, my story is told,
Of a life spent protecting, with a heart so bold.