what? him too?

when i hear

that the most popular kid

in the class

had died,

i'm stunned, shocked.

he played

on all the teams,

was smart,

and loved by students

and teachers alike.

most likely to

succeed.

destined for great things.

i turn the page to his

many pictures

in the year book

from 1970.

smiling from ear

to ear.

a cheerleader on either

side.

tall and lean,

Hollywood handsome.

valedictorian.

and yet, and yet. somehow

he too,

has managed

to die.