The Death of a Dream

Son, I do not mourn your death as much as I mourn

     the death of the dream that died with you.

I know that you suffered; your tired body was worn out,

     but the dream was very much still alive--

A dream that you might decide to fight a little longer

     buy us a little more time and keep this dream alive…

A dream that you might live long enough

     to witness the cure of your dreadful disease…

A dream that you might be able to realize your dream

     to continue your studies and graduate from college…

A dream that you could experience some measure

     of independent living and land your dream job as a sportscaster…

A dream that you would find that special someone

     and experience the euphoria of romantic love…

A dream that you would find your soul mate,

     get married, and know the joy of becoming a parent…

A dream that you would live long enough to see

     your mother healthy and whole and happily remarried…

A dream that you would live long enough to see me give

     your sisters away to men who will love them as much as you and I…

A dream that you would decide to give your stepmother and me

     a chance to provide a home and care for you as we so wanted to do…

A dream that we could become the family we longed to be

     and renovate the room above the garage to be your bachelor pad…

A dream that you might finish your degree here at Nicholls

     and remember the joy of playing power soccer on our new team…

A dream that we could allow you to take your monthly disability check

     and buy your dream accessible vehicle or whatever you wanted…

A dream that you would live long enough to have on this side of time

     more peace and understanding—you had less than your fair share.

Now you are gone and I must not dwell on what might have been,

     but life will never be the same now that this dream has come to an end.

---