by Zachary Heil

Created on: July 27, 2010

An autumn breeze collected a chill that seemed to linger more, after the call.

Her innocent, broken heart-reflected in stifled words-told me of your passing time.

My confusion and disbelief, seemed to set everyone else at unease;

they knew something was wrong, but were not aware that I was grieving.

I whispered to my love that I had lost a friend; a first for me, but sadly not the last.

She didn't know what to say, as she was even younger, and even less experienced in the human condition.

She laid quietly beside me, gently rubbing my chest, while I stared out into nothing.

Thoughts of having not seen you recently, made the loss seem even more surreal.

I kept reminding myself, over and over, I will never, ever, see you again.

And the tears slowly tracked down my temples, falling onto the trampoline;

the chilled air made it feel like a medicated rub-It seemed to burn, slightly.

What a strange moment that I learned of your death, while surrounded by a pack of kids.

There was no one around to offer their aged wisdom and comfort; I've never felt so let-down... by no one at all.

The very next day, school was harsh. 

Another kid told a grand lie about your death, pure hearsay, regurgitated rumors;

the kind of nonsense that drove me to berating her ignorance and casting shame toward her disregard.

I left class and found your sister and a close friend of ours; all of us were struggling with the day. 

We clamored together and wept in solidarity, as one thoughtful adult offered the sympathy we so desperately needed.

That twenty-four hours or so was a soulful and emotional experience like no other.

In a way, I hope that everyone may live to express empathy and share the pure love that ensued, after the news of your death.

I hope that every person may get the chance to experience such raw emotion;

sad to say that it may only happen after the death of a loved one or friend.

It's sad that we often learn from the sacrifices of others.

Thank you for your sacrifice, my friend.

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