In an awful way
I hope that it’s true
and the worst in fact occurred
and this isn’t just another
accidental game of telephone.

I hope that someone
is not playing with our hearts
and heads again
but then it is not the first time
I’ve suspected this.
I could not believe
that the Prince had passed
just last year.
It seemed too unbelievable

and this
is another occurrence
that makes no sense.
I have my doubts
and I would like
some kind of verification
to still my inner screams
of "fake news!"
but I believe
I would prefer that it be real
and not that we were all fooled again.

So I’m sorry.
I’m sorry that I have hopes
that the worst has happened
to you
so that my own anxiety can be assuaged
about what’s true.
Though it’s the last
I want to do
I hope
despite myself
that you’re through.