Canaries In The Grave

Where have you gone?

Do you remember where you fell in love?

The moment when you saw me,

Did your heart race as you donned your gloves?

Where have you gone?

You’ve left me waiting for so long.

Have you fallen through the sky,

Devoured by stygian sty?

No markers where you left me.

Not alone—

Underneath the pile.

No words when you left me.

No note—

Just a kick goodbye.

Where have you gone?

Have I made you mad,

Where did I go wrong?

You left me here,

A product of your austere,

No tears from me to fall.

Water pouring from the skies,

Soggy and cold,

The buzzing flies.

Muddied and soiled—

Blankets and pillows made of stones.

Where did you go?

I would love for you to take me home.

Missing posters stapled,

To every pole along the road.

Howdy neighbour—

Have you seen me around?

Maybe out walking the dog,

Or sitting in the park?

Was I with a group of friends,

Lying all alone on the ground?

Unsuspecting,

You play the one,

A stand-up citizen smiling in the sun?

Waving to the people,

As you pick out another one.

Where have you gone?

I am begging for you to take me home.

I promise I’ll never tell,

Cover me in roses to cover the smell.

Where have you gone?

Do you remember where you fell in love?

Underneath the pile,

Where you keep your bags of bones.

Where have you gone?

I’ve been waiting for so long.

Underneath the pile

I am not alone.

​Author’s Note:

This piece is a work of dark psychological fiction exploring themes of violence and loss. While the narrative is purely creative, the real-world impact of violent crime and missing persons is devastatingly real.

​If you or someone you know is in distress, seeking support, or looking for resources regarding missing persons and victim services, please reach out for help:

​Victim Services & Crisis Line (Canada/US): Call or text 988 for immediate 24/7 crisis support.

​Canadian Centre for Missing Persons / VictimLinkBC: VictimLinkBC Services

​National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: MissingKids.org