For Alex Tinkler (1982-2006)
by Siberia

Note: These are the rhymes that distracted me during class today; I then polished them to the tune of The Cure's "Demise".

Six months has passed since Death claimed your soul
Forgive this late farewell, for I did not know—
I had to move to London, Ontario
(News travels slowly at UWO!)

Twenty-three years of age is tragically young
For the Three Fates to exclaim, "Begone!"
I never thought you'd share this in common
With Ian Curtis of Joy Division...
Well, I sincerely hope you're now at peace
Wherever in the Universe you may be

You were always the funniest dude in class
No matter how far I'd look into the past
Yeah, you can be annoying at times
But there was nothing foul in you to find
At least you respected my love of The Cure
(Even though you felt Siouxsie's music was pure "beep"!)

It has definitely been too long
Since you last greeted me with, "Hi Hong!"
In a quirky voice and silly grin—
My true name you preferred since kindergarden
Why not Christina, I did not ask why
And now I shall never know your reply...

You may find it weird that I miss you this much
So let's keep your curiosity hushed:
At the moment of your spirit's fall
In years my brain is able to recall
I have known you for twelve out of twenty
Which explains why my world seems a bit empty...

So I hope you're flattered to be the subject
Of a poem by a published poetess!
Dearest Alex, though you were never my friend
I wish I could hear you speak my name again...