The Edge of September

On the edge of September in 2009,
I was told that you were gone.
I later found out that right behind that tree line
was where your final breath was drawn.

Even now, three years later, it doesn’t make sense.
You had so much to give us all,
you were so vibrant, loving, and intense;
I still remember that day when I got the call.

It was three years ago today,
though it doesn’t seem that long ago.
You left my life in such disarray;
So tell me, Brian, how am I supposed to let go?

My fondest memories of our friendship
Take place in January of 2006.
I remember you used a bargaining chip
to convince the teacher to ignore your little tricks.

That night is still so clear in my mind;
The Holy Tar, Bat Country, and those Sticky Hands.
I don’t think you ever could be defined
That was the night we discovered our favorite bands.

And then a few months later, in another city;
when we were in the pool area of a hotel.
Remember that night; how you were so witty?
Everyone was laughing; you as well.

Those were such good times, and I want them back.
We’ve known each other for so, so long;
without you around, everything seems black.
I never thought our last talk would be your swan song.

So here I am, on the anniversary of your death.
Time hasn’t healed my wounds; the salt just made them sting.
I still can’t seem to catch my breath;
no matter how much I want to, I can’t forget the whole thing.