Tell the dead
that this was not
the thing you meant to do.

Tell the dead
you truly thought
that those crazed words were true.

Tell the dead
that hatred played no part,
that deep within the man you are,
there beats a poet's heart.

Tell them loudly
of all the things
that you have left to give,
of your repentance, your remorse,
and of your need to live.

Tell them loudly
so that they may hear,
forgive,
and rest,
then disappear.

Tell them loudly
though they be near.
Tell the dead,
farewell.