Pale and thin faced,
Barely recognized as the boy from school.
He was once affectionate.
Pulled you in close,
Holding you tighter,
A second longer than you expected.
He once looked in your eyes.
Intently seeing hope,
Stirring your depths,
Until you yourself were in action.
As I embraced him that night,
I knew he was gone.
No pressure of his squeeze,
No hand on my back.
No innate joy in his voice,
No gap-toothed giggle.
No love in his eyes,
No hope in reality.
Just in a whiskey daze.
In his world of safety.
Crow & Quill 