on the suicide of Abraham Biggs, broadcast over a webcam to a live audience on November 19

Who was
sicker that day?

I took handfuls of
poisonous pills

as I told you I would

positioned the camera,
said goodbye
and went to sleep
while you
abbreviated your
vulgar laughter,
entertained
at
more
reality television.

Any of you could have saved me.

As you kiss
each day goodnight,
I want you to remember
my skin turning
blue, purple, pale,
my life a prism
and death the sunlight slowly shining through it
before your forever-stained eyes.

I chose to die, yes,
but your complacency
was the funeral dirge.

© Bryan Borland