No more death, carnage or despair. As I stand here, ring in hand; clarity descends with a simple solution.

So many deaths behind me, perplexing police perpetually. My ugliness smothered in the simplicity of my question to her.

Breath in short rasps, tearing my throat with anticipation. Her smile and acceptance the reward of a realised dream.

Beast becalmed under sediment of beauty, my ugly deeds forever to remain buried.

As I slip the ring on her finger, my epiphany: love is no more than the echo of what beauty I possess, reflected in the mirror of my sweetheart’s smile.