I wrote the following poem in Spring 2011 as part of the “Poetry for Change” curriculum unit in . English 11, Future Leaders for Social Change Academy
Four years and eleven days later
A villanelle
For Brett
We lost our friend so long ago.
He left us before the summer came.
Our loss darkened springtime with woe.
Tainted cells grew, silent as snow,
Slowly smothered out his life’s flame.
We lost our friend so long ago.
There was no way for us to know.
In vain, all searched for one to blame.
The loss darkened springtime with woe.
We fell prey to its undertow,
Gave up hope, cowered in shame.
We lost our friend so long ago.
A robust warrior was brought low,
Disease became victor in that game.
Our loss darkened springtime with woe.
We lost him to an unseen foe.
Our lives will never be the same.
We lost our friend so long ago.
This loss darkens springtime with woe.
Mujer Evolving 