The Lost Son

The recent losses of some young family members has brought to mind the lyrics of a song I've been working off and on for the past couple of years.  I'm not finished, but I felt moved to share this work in progress.

The Lost Son by Abelard

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Oh please ne'er forget me though earth now lie o'er me

I was once young and handsome and my spirit ran free

But wretched confusion overcame my delusion

And a family in mourning for the son I couldn’t be.

A young lad with feelings too frightened to know

I was fearing and trembling for the loss of my soul

Amid struggle and fear my family did pray

That my demons would leave me, no longer to stay.

When I was a young boy with skin t’was so fair

And tussles of curls adorned my hair

I was thoughtful and timid, my books were my friends

I kept to myself for playmates were rare

Other boys would avoid as if I were unclean

To them I was different, another poor queer

Relentlessly teasing, they taunted and sneered

And thrashing while mocking and brought me to tears

Down trodden and saddened, I was in despair

For within me these feelings where none could compare

My family, they loved me, their souls were laid bare

But to them I had fallen to the great tempters snare

At length, I made my choice - I wanted not to live

I dreamed of a peace only death could give

So one day when alone I found some pills

I finally found peace when laid on the hill

Oh please ne'er forget me though earth now lie o'er me

I was once young and handsome and my spirit ran free

But wretched confusion overcame my delusion

And a family in mourning for the son I couldn’t be.