I met you somewhere in
my dreams last night.
I knew it wasn't real but,
I tried to remember
everything about you
so I could have it all at once
before I had to wake up and
live without you again.
Rest easy tonight,
as I toss and turn,
being held hostage
by these lingering memories.
September forever haunted by
your mother’s screaming pleas.
The knot pulled tightly around
your neck and
the one in my throat
while they laid you down.
Birthdays spent picking weeds
away from your name
and complaining about
how much high school sucks.
I wanted to punch everyone who
would ask ‘Are you okay?” or
tell me,
“Just remember she loved you.”
I would have sacrificed all I had
if it meant you’d hang on to life
and not that murderous tree.
For you, Rhiannon, I would have
fought the world.
Given my last breath
to save yours.
