6am july 1st
someone mentions cancer
and suddenly the air reeks
of 6 am july 1st,
youve been sobbing for hours
over a man youve never met
but youve watched since you were 12.
his time on this earth was too short
and you mourn a timeline, a possibility,
where you could have met him
and thanked him for keeping you here.
someone mentions cancer
and suddenly the air stinks
of that sinking feeling,
having lost something deep inside
you know youll never quite get back.
a sad, grateful smile graving your face
although you know
youll never look at crowns
the same way again.