Before Waking

The dead don’t talk

It’s not their way

Nor do they stalk

It’s the same, night and day

But they live in us

In pained dreams and blanked dawns

Claim we gave them our trust

The best for our parents, all sworn

You let us get sick and die

Why didn’t you even try?

You didn’t come to say goodbye

Went with all those stupid lies

We did not know, we tell these shades

It came from nowhere and fell

Ripped your chest, made unmade

Your lungs to breathless hell

You were smiley and chatty

Till that spike slammed in your throat

Your neck a straw, heart batty

Burnt skin your new coat

We shouted, cursed, screamed

They would not let us near

Glass faces live-streamed cursed

You want to be them in here?

Our inner dead stay unkind -

So you did all you could?

Protected us, left clear signs

Did everything anyone would?

You didn’t know you say

But you knew

We’re not the first it slayed

How could you?

We listened, watched, heard

Did what could be done

The future may send a cure

Your grandchildren’s victory won

But these dead don’t stay dead

Words sharp, pierce to bone

You let us down, bought those who led

Who leave you to die alone

If you believe in fairies

All’s left is hailing Mary

Don’t break faith when we ask why

Don’t trust liars who let you die