Do you remember
being in the trenches?
Stretching out your arm
toward me,
rendering you-
undefended.

Gutted, dismembered,
carapace forced to smile.
But you were my light.
Do you know?
When first I met
desolation?

So, do you recall
those lonesome afternoons?
When all you wished for
was for him
to feel the same,
to value you.

I think of the mall,
where we’d often wander.
You kept it inside,
all because
children deserve
something better.

Do you hate yourself?
How utterly stupid!
How would we be now
absent from
the light you shone?-
Shattered. Ruptured.

Do you blame yourself?
So simply ludicrous.
The good that we are,
came from you.
You cared for us
when no one would.

Do you know my love?
The compassion I have,
was cultivated
and nurtured
by a woman
facing ruin.

Do you rise above?
For your strength is immense.
I have seen its work,
its passion
to do what’s right
no matter what.

Do you see me plight?
For when my star burns out,
I will scream to God,
“Oh, you thief!
All my goodness
has been taken.”

Do you stay alight?
Or leave me way too soon?
Do you know your pain,
your torment
belongs to me?
I will hold you.

Do you love yourself?
This person who gives hope.
Who sacrifices
anything
to spread comfort
to those she loves.

Do you know yourself?
Do you see what I see?
Please, I beg of you-
see, see, see.
Tell me, do you?
Do you?

Do you?