To Sergei (My Distant Cousin Who Was Killed By Chechens)

I am looking at your picture At your handsome, yet sad face This picture is all You’ve left me in this world All the rest is just memories MY memories. You were young and so strong But the cowards took it all All at once All at once they took from you and the question is just why couldn’t you say something I know you wouldn’t cry When they had the cold knife Right in front of your face? It makes me angry And I know why I didn’t get a chance To at least say GOOD BYE You were only twenty-five.