For Sam

Artwork by Miles Johnston

I believe there is no greater tragedy

Than the death of someone just beginning to live

But perhaps if I write this poem

It is I you can begin to forgive

So I will let this ache run deep through

And leave a burning trail in its wake

For there is nothing I would not give for you

To breathe all the breaths that I dare now take

My once strong bones made dust

My impenetrable heart turned glass

And watch our love too quickly just

Fade away into nothing, to ash

My boy, dare I ask

Your teeth, did they gnash?

While the long night I paced

By the coldest of fires

Did you cry out for help?

When did your hope begin to tire?

I cannot breathe

Cannot play music

Cannot dance

My great love,

Come back, be here

And gods, give us our chance

For you then,

I will live as you were forbade

To be free, to fight

To not die afraid