Losing the New Hole in His Chest

Then he was gone

and death began,

for the very first time.

As if some unseen hand forced loss

into the young boy's world,

into the new hole in his chest.

He'd loved, not knowing life grows cold,

it made his eyes flood, clutching air,

his breathing stopped.

The doctor's final white words stood,

his father paid the sleeping bill.

He felt how living without joy's companion,

left pain's constant cry,

the drive home quiet, resolute,

until he saw his mother's face

and sobbed.