DEAR HEPHAESTION

Kim Libarnes Illustration by Matthew James Lazala

I write this to you With a heavy heart In the light of my victories And my tears for your loss

I regret that I couldn’t name more cities under your name To remind the world of your precious smile As we marched forward into the battlefield I’ve always adored your eyes gleaming with glory

I am defeated only by the sounds of your breath My blade in your clutches Dancing in the eyes of death Only to triumph over the weak-willed men under our feet

The world has forgotten about our days Blanketed our memories With a swift scratch of straight lines Erased with the odd pride of our descendants

I was their shining star Carved to lift their illusions They denounced you, my love Cherry-picked my name and grew it in a patch I didn’t recognize

Blindfolded and turned away Silenced by souls who didn’t know any better They called you my most loyal warrior Only to close our curtains with ease

But I only wish for them to sing your songs Speak of the tales and the wonders I found between your arms So I dream of another second with you A path of two where we walk for one

Don’t feel so blue my warrior I’ll be with you in another life Hopefully one where we could be understood

Only yours, Alexander.

TC