I have watched him fade
I have watched his laughter become strained
And long pauses of silence staring
As if unconscious of anyone else.
I wish I knew his thoughts
I wish I could purge out his demons
And exorcise him to the glimmer of a person
I knew once.
I have watched him drift away
His reality confused and angry
Doubt engulf him and shadow his eyes
A paused soul half hidden and hovering
In the chasm between
I have seen him turn toward hell
And know I cannot reach far enough
To hold his hand.
I wonder if he hears me anymore
If he understands what I say or if it is
Just clockwork nodding and agreement
To make the hours move.
I have watched him dissolve
A name others say and whisper
And speak on rumours and angst.
If only I could take his palm and read
What lies ahead and hope
Hope beyond anything I could every possess
That it is not another death.
Tallie Pascoe
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/onlooker/
