Has no one told you she's not breathing?

That her still face masks no signs of life?

Perhaps with the passing of the pages

Her memory will fade from your eyes

But not your heart

Has no one told you how much I love you?

That I watch your grief from the pale edges?

Wishing I could kneel beside you and weep as well

That I had more life than paper and ink

Upon this leaf

Has no one told you we're not real?

That we're picture-people for the story?

Another tale for the dark and silent gods

Twisting us between their printed words

As characters

Has no one told you this is the end?

Here in the garden with me watching you?

We are forever frozen in this moment of prose

You in your grief and I in my silent pain

As the cover closes

Finite