A soft sympathetic voice
cries

Please,
don’t forget
what I was,

a child of love.

Please don’t
let go
of my heart.

Please,
be kind
and kindle
the hearth fire
of compassion.

Please don’t run
when I need you
to stay.

Please,
oh please
don’t
forget me.

The gentle voice
slips away
as the barer
stares coldly
into a blank face.

It is a dark mirror
that marks his change.