Dear Mr and Mrs X
I write today and hope you know me
For I am with your son
Like all the others, it began the same
And everyone was up
We prepared our things, our kit
And set out about our work
It was hot already and dust smacked at our lips
Thrown up in clouds that hovered still
While our way was picked
A static sound and tinny voice
Told of what should lie ahead
And I was with your son
With me behind and he afront
A snake behind us crept
Our feet were sharing perfect spots
And no one was the less alert
As we let fronds of subtle grass
Tickle padded knees in the morning glare
I was with your son you see
With him at the time
I would like to tell you, because he was my friend
And other things you read or see
May not be quite the same
And I held his hand
I heard his whisper, though it was hoarse
Tell my folks I love them,
Tell them I'll see them soon
He said
But by now you know he wont
Though pained this is to know
I was with your son and so
Would like to tell it plain
He died that day for something true
And he did not die alone
He did not linger nor tarry much
On his way to you
I gave him what I could, and a little more besides
And wish to let you know, with you upon his mind
While chaos stormed and beat at us
While every thing seemed doomed
That man, your son, stood up straight
And put some things to rights
So we could venture on and back
We tried at first, and later still
As hard as we knew we could
And carried him between the walls
and across the barren waste
All the time I sang, though I hurt inside
His favourite song it was, across that dry divide
I hope you know your son
For I was with him then
Went the way of danger
So others need not try
And went upright and honest
With friends at either side
I hope too that comfort can be found
In times when nothing clicks
Your son he was a brother too
To all of us out here
I write this now and seal it with my tears
For I was with your son
Lizzie xx