i can teach you
the finer points
of third wave ska
you can teach me
how to function
with as a human

you can be my
faery tale hero
i can be your
empty suit of armor
piecing this puzzle
in trial and terror

you can stretch
your lovely hands
into my chest
massage the dead
muscle back to
a semblance of life

i can sloppily paint
odes across the sky
whispered to every
sparrow and crow
to carry your beauty
near and far

maybe, just maybe
find a moment’s
peace in the turmoil
of this tragedy
just at the edge
of our flower garden