An Author's Lament

Today, I have a poem to share. Some writing friends and I were discussing character deaths recently, and as I was thinking about this topic, a poem came to my mind. This is an author's lament, the inner weeping over the deaths of his or her beloved characters. It's not long, but I hope it does justice to the tears.

- Auriel

For the Characters That Have Passed On

I craft your story, I spin the tale.

As I set down my pen, write every stroke,

With every word I feel every beat

Of your heart— when it laughed, when it broke.

Tears glisten and fall, for I feel your pain.

I laugh and I sing, I weep and I mourn,

And when your time comes, as it must come to all

(Though I grant that to some, after story and storm)

I tell you my tears are for more than a friend,

Truly, of myself, I have lost a dear part.

I will always treasure each story you've lived

And I'll always remember your light in the dark.

Your sacrifice lives on in the words of your tale.

The pain and the blood were not spent in vain.

Outward tears may dry, but I'll never forget.

Captured in prose live your life and your name.