i didn’t remember

i cannot forget

that old derry song of

a loser’s lament.

a rag-tag ensemble

with worn and torn eyes

an unfinished puzzle

my girl and my guys

a restaurant visit

where we reminisce

you tell me you’re married

a punch i don’t miss

the fight started earlier

than we’d admit

and they held me back

whilst i yelled at a kid

[27 years apart and yet i knew

we stay the way we are

as losers tend to do.]

i knew that he froze when

he felt so afraid,

like his heart would explode

if he moved any way.

she gave him a weapon

to keep safe and sound –

and, too, for this use

of to kill an old clown.

we retreated together

an unlikely pair

so close i could kiss you

if only i’d dared

you saved me, i saw it

you brave, stupid man

if only i’d paid a spot

more attention

[27 years apart and yet i lost

the chance to hold you tightly

and tell you what you cost.]

your blood stained my glasses

i wish i could see

for the last moments with you

are red and blurry.

we crawled from the sewers

my best friends and i

the light from the sun burned

our dark natured eyes

we entered as six and

we left sans adieu

my love’s in the rubble

my heart burns there too.

i wish i’d remember

i swore to forget

the old derry song of

a lover’s lament.