innocence:

How rare,

to walk streets in innocence.

Darkness tried to strangle you,

dim your glow.

Where were you,

when the sun went out?

Sitting by the pond,

we used to watch fireflies there.

Hung in the air like dogfighters.

You felt war in every bone.

Legs like springs set to pounce.

Were you always a predator?

You always loved to dance.

To move in rhythm with the earth.

I can feel her heartbeat, trembling.

Press my lips to a budding leaf.

Take on its anger.

To become kindling in death.

Some people never get to burn.

You told me that in secret.

I wore it in my lapel like a poppy.

Silently hoping for peace.