Now You’re Dead

We listened,
But did not hear
The words between your words.
Things were bad,
We knew;
You said,
But now…
Now, you’re dead…
And though you needed help,
You spoke of others’ plights instead.
And now you’re dead.
You said you trusted me,
Would turn to me..
Instead
You turned on you;
And now you’re dead.
Now,
You’re dead.

—
[For a kind-hearted friend and father, gone too soon]