I want to live
I stand here
As a young man
Condemned to death
With the deepest remorse of the
Crimes and Horrors I’ve committed
And though my soul accepts
Your most severe punishment
Allow me
As a man
To say a few last words
I want to live
To ascend the green hills of my happy town
To feel the rise of freedom in every step
And to feel like a king, uncrowned, at the very top
I want to live
I yearn to feel the rain on my face
As I dance in secret to my favourite ballet
Alone in the woods
An ode to life
An homage to unexpected inspirations
I want to live
And know, truly know
The warmth of my fireplace
To sit and read and stare and reflect
And to be stirred by a touch on the shoulder
By the beloved hand of my darling Jess
Oh my darling Jess
I long to kiss you on the lips
And know the small of your back
I long to sit with you, once again
In silence
Staring at your beautiful face
Our hands gently touching
And our souls united
In peace intimate
And the worries of this world fade
I want to live
I long to see my future children
Peter, Joanne, and Tommy
Playing in the backyard
As I watch on delightfully
With my fatherly gaze
I want to live
I long for the day
Lying on my sickbed
Once dreaded but no longer
And as my eyesight fails
I make out four watchful figures
Gathering around me
Poured out in concern and unspeakable love
Though I may be broken in body
Yet I will be restored in spirit
How I long to experience
Even the most bitter moments of life
If it means the chance
To live
To live again
But my words are in vain
I am, after all, a man condemned
Do what you must
Please do it quick
Send my love to my sweetheart Jess
And tell her to send my love to the world
Which will soon
Very soon
Be mine no longer.
