Fourteen Months

Arab boys, all eyelash and colour who tangled coffee-brown together; the most beautiful boys I have seen. Unbroken - matches not to be snapped - when they hanged you blind, you saw by love, matchlight more brilliant than fear or lust - a beacon across a continent. You would disapprove, beautiful boys, I choke fire for your deaths, tears for your freedom. I will keep the torch alight for Arab boys who loved too loud. You are my brothers in love. They forget but I do not. You are my brothers.