Silent War

The doctors said that Ethan would get better
All he needed was to take his medication and receive our support
Yet that all turned to dust when we read the letter
And saw the consequences of a life cut short.

It wasn’t Ethan’s fault nor was it ours
We didn’t know how to fight something we couldn’t see
Now I stand before his grave with a bouquet of flowers
Had I seen the signs earlier, how different would things be?

I shamefully realize that I was just a watcher
A useless bystander who preferred to assume that Ethan was okay
He said that he was “fine”, whenever I even bothered…
To ask him. And now he’s gone away.

We didn’t understand the silent war he fought
But deep down I knew that he wasn’t alright
We cut down his body to calm his mother who was distraught
Ethan’s flame had blown out when it once burnt bright.

I was a selfish watcher and I had the warning signs right in front of me
If I had bothered to talk to him more, I could have probably saved his life
Instead, I allowed Ethan to deteriorate to such a degree
That he left behind a young daughter and wife.

I’m sorry Ethan that I didn’t care enough
I’m sorry that I didn’t interfere
I’m sorry that I wasn’t there for you when things were rough
Think of me what you will, but please believe my apology to be sincere.