Jacob

Two months to the day
and you died instead.
I am moved to tears, which like a glacier, silent inching down my face.
Next to me, falling on my shoulders
his pain wracked sobs sinking under my skin, each tear a tiny petal.
Another boy who tried to die.
Two months to the day
and you died instead.
Stuttering candles remain lit around
the irregular geode that's your honorary tombstone.
Glowing now in a tranquil white.
Although to many a ghost,
you saved someone else's life in your tragedy.
Two months to the day
and you died instead.
My heart, though I never knew you
holds a steady metranome rhythm. Steadfast and solemn.
Because you kept another heart beating.

Two months to the day
and you died instead.
Amen.

"DEATH, BE NOT PROUD. THOUGH OTHERS HAVE CALLED THEE MIGHTY AND DREADFUL, THOU ART NOT SO."