I always remember his birthday.

I always remember his death.

I always remember when I learned the truth;

still numb to the fact he's not dead.

He's 30 today,

2 years younger than me,

Though Rachel had been to the day...

Over 14 years since we all were set free

after sweetest of hospital stays...

But every year now since I learned the truth,

Two years since I called him to speak...

I wonder why I mourned through those years

when the thought of his passing had made my days bleak...

For now I am haunted

and not by a ghost

but a living reminder that I'd...

Like to forget

if only I could,

Happy Birthday Brian

that died.

JULY 24, 2006

for Brian Lounsberry