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