Are we alive only in the past tense?
Do we have to prefix everything with last?
The last goodbye, the last hello.
That last and final kiss.

Are we alive only in some fading memories?
Memories that will fade and fade and fade,
Until finally they are but a glimmer.
If it's not remembered, did it even happen?

Are we alive only in a broken dream?
Some creature that lurks the depths,
Somewhere between consciousness and oblivion,
Prepared to strike a guard that's let down.

Are we alive only in scraps of papers?
Crumpled notes forged by candlelight,
Their ink and tears blurring the lines,
With nothing left to hold back the words.

Were we never alive at all?
Just lost in some dream, like two ships,
Passing on some foggy starless night,
Unable to see the icy waters ahead.