when he dies
do not say his name again
do not beg him to hold you one more time
do not cry to the stars for him
let him rest let him die

when he dies
do not remember the way he smiled like every breath was ecstasy
do not look for him in the bars downtown
you won't find him

when he dies
do not listen for his words in the ocean waves, do not
ask him how things could have changed
don't let his name poison your lips

when he dies
do not visit his parents asking about his childhood demons
do not taste him in your morning coffee
he is at peace let him be

when he dies
don't look for him at the bottom of his favorite bottles
don't call his phone to hear his voice again
don't beg him to call back

when he dies
do not remember do not wish
do not contemplate joining him
he is finally at rest he is finally home
do not speak his name again