They're Fighting Again

All the soldiers in my heart.

Comfort vs. punishment, just skirmishes now, but ... she'll wake soon.

I need rest I need nourishment I need love I need to write this down before I sleep. I want all of it and none of it, and darkness keeps the score though the outcome is bought.

There's a cross here in this cemetery I visit and on it should be the name of the lover I grieve but instead it is faith herself buried.

I brought you a flower and something I wrote so when you wake up you'll remember me.

You should have waited for me.

I didn't know it but when I left the next morning I would never see her again.

Soldier on, soldier on, keep your heart close to the ground.

Last Night a Visitor

For the first time since her death Sarah played a small role in last night's dream, what I remember of it.

The guitar intro for What Should be Familiar had begun; I was still getting ready in the bathroom and none of the audience knew I was there. It had been billed as an emberghost reunion show, but we intentionally kept it quiet as to whether it would actually include me. I was still getting fired up backstage, excited as hell, as Daniel Alden sang the first verse. He did surprisingly well (not that he's a bad singer) and I was impressed.

Sarah sang her part and I emerged just in time to sing the prechorus with her: And the wait is over! We smiled at each other as we held a high note in harmony and the room was electric. We sang the chorus on the floor among the audience and they loved us for it but we loved them more.

Before the next song could begin, she turned to me and asked if we could do a different one instead. She named it but I can't remember what she said. It was one I didn't know, and I considered my eagerness to get to My Purple Heart and The Merely Ghosts and And Spirit Rise and even Twilight ... she smiled excitedly and I couldn't resist her and I shrugged.

"Sure."

She opened her mouth to sing and I woke up.