'Frank

are you okay?'
a voice soars over the deafening crowd
reaching out to him

so desperately he wants to say


'No, I'm



really not okay'
but he just stays crouched,

crumpled
next to the amplifier



watching him.

'I will

not kiss you,'
recollections of the past flood his mind
what will never be again

so desperately he wants to say


'Come back



and try for me'
but he won't be a nuisance

nagging
he clings to what he has



left of him.



'I'll ask

you to be true,'
each note rings with intoxicating clarity
penetrating his core

so desperately he wants to say


'I would



if you'd let me'
but the silver ring, glinting

gleaming
on his fourth finger



denies him.