I Remember

So vividly my mind's eye remembers.
I gaze into the darkness behind my lids
And see the shadows take your form.

First your young face.
Round cheeks, short dark hair.
Eyes black as coals.
Eyes haunted by what you knew
And what you carried alone
With a neck
That could barely support your head.

Then your torso,
The outline of every rib
Stretching the taut skin of your chest.
Your frail thin arms
And tiny bony hands.

Lastly your legs,
The first to go
And the last that appear.
Knobby knees,
Contorted tendons,
Curved feet.

And just as your mouth begins to move,
Your eyes shining with mirth,
Your feeble hands open before you,
A laughter rings through the air.
I run to you
momentarily forgetting
And brutally reminded
As I grab you in my arms
Only for you to disappear.

Salty tears burn my eyes,
A cry of despair pierces the silence,
I wretch onto the floor.
It's been eight years
And it hits me all the same.
I close my eyes again
Willing you away
Trying to forget
But I can't.

Author's Note

A tribute to my younger brother who was an unfortunate victim of a severe form of muscular dystrophy claiming his life in 2003. He was only seven years old with the eyes of wizened men.