I searched in mind

& found him there...

The building was burning

but he didn't care...

He was riding that boy

who we knew wasn't me...

The sound of that slapping -

The building collapsing -

I opened my eyes -

This just couldn't be...

I had to return

& I had to ride him...

I had to burn

& finally confide in him...

I had to whisper & cry

& confess...

I had to die to be like the rest -

If only to have him -

Then death would be worth it...

But he would not let me -

He made me live through it...

And so Brian survived

& I always knew it.

- For Brian L -