Sombo

Sombo.

Inspired by Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick

I never expected death to become a friend so quickly. 

He followed my shadow as dawn first kissed the fields of rice,

and my footsteps as the sun bid farewell beyond the curve of Cambodia. 

He made sure I knew he was around.

Ready to invite me into his house 

when the timing was just right for him. 

Yet, how easy it was to fool death.

I pulled a tough face and sealed my lips with fear,

kept my eyes sharp and aware.

Angry. 

Death no longer saw me as a friend.

Said I wasn’t what he was looking for anymore, 

too mean for him to invite over.

Too tough. 

But I could tell he liked to show up when my lips began to tremble 

And the firm look on my face was beginning to crack. 

I wondered how long it would take before death realized I was only pretending. 

I wondered how long it would take before I’d realize pretending was bound to be reality anyway. 

Death became like troubled love.

Hot and cold.

Never really knowing when he’d come around,

But kept my guard up in hopes he would never come back.

Instead when I least expected it, 

Death began to cling to Arn like child to mom.

I watched myself grow so fast from friend to parent 

And lost myself along the way. 

I never expected death to become an enemy so quickly. 

Disguised himself as Khmer Rouge on some days 

And dead bodies the next.

Such grim face 

No feelings left lingering anywhere. 

He gained many new friends, 

hosting a party 

forced many to come.

I watched him.

Knew he was coming for me soon.

I began to build walls.

Protect Arn.

Protect me. 

I watched Arn fear me.

Unsure how to tell him death had a grip on us,

Gave me an invite to the party.

Couldn’t say no.

Arn wouldn’t understand.

How sad it was to leave him alone 

but I had a party to attend.

A full house and less people for death to invite.

Goodbye Arn.