The Beat Of A Lover's Heart Poem by Kaysen Fraker

A loud explosion rippled through the air
filling the dark alley with the scent of gunpowder
the eyes just moments ago filled with fear
now stripped of color by the choking grip of death

A man across from the body
trembling as he realizes the horrid act he has committed
and then a new fear fills his heart
the image of the one he loves flashes in his mind's eye

standing there frozen
only a few words able to escape
like a whisper of the wind
“What have I done? ”

The fear in his heart growing
the sound of police sirens slicing through the air
cars coming to a screeching halt
the clicking of the shackles sealing his fate

Kneeling in a courtyard
trapped by the silence of death
with the darkness of depression
facing a firing squad

even facing death
his heart beats wild
racing to find its obsession
his love

“Ready! ”
his head rising only to see his blindfold
“Aim! ”
his heart racing faster

The image of his lover showing through to his last
blinded moments
the last beat of his heart hurting more than the rest
his last breath giving birth to two final words
“Forgive me.”

“Fire! ”