A part of me died
in the fire of your eyes.
But something in you still lived.
Those eyes that had seen
across oceans and made
the most of what you’d been given.
A part of me sighed
at the touch of your hand
which faded like webs in light.
Those hands that had forged
their own lot in this land.
A life that had left you tired.
A part of me cried
when your ears heard the truth
cos something in you still lived.
This last journey home
is not your own choice.
We’re here but you sail alone.
Ashley is a writer and creative, born and raised in Nottingham and living in Manchester. He was shortlisted for the 2016/2017 Penguin Random House Write-Now programme, and the 2018 Sunderland Story Award for short fiction. Ashley is represented by Alice Sutherland-Hawes at ASH Literary and anticipating publication of his debut middle grade novel The Boy to Beat the Gods in 2024. When he isn’t writing or reading, Ashley enjoys outdoor pursuits, indulging in anime, gaming and making music as Breezewax. View more posts
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