Loaded 1924

FHM mag

North By Northwest in 6 Frames

CANDLE For Neil

Sweet boy,

I lit a candle by the wick, and withstood a moment in its light.

I leave it in this silent place, where I come to bury you tonight.

There is something here yet left, something sad and new…

addressed in my own breath, I send these final words for you:

I come to say my farewell rhymes, to bid safe going to the ships.

I come to leave a piece with you, to kiss the air with absent lips.

I release you now to memory, where my hands won't find the trace.

But lay in this last hour, a gentle hand on your gentle face.

If you were ever poor of soul, I'd have let you share with me.

Had you been afraid to look, I would not have let you see.

If you were sent to fight alone, I'd have come to battle too.

And had courage ever failed, I would have been brave for you.

A brighter sun you were in me, than any other day.

And maybe deep into my quiet years I'll find the time to say:

That you made a soldier of my heart; That alas, the soldier falls.

That I had always loved you, but left my love near old St. Paul's.

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