Two boys entwined, a friendship's thrall.
Gene, the thoughtful, introspective soul,
Finny, the vibrant, taking life's toll.
A summer's breeze, a whispered vow,
To conquer fear, to rise somehow.
The tree's embrace, a daring leap,
A bond unbreakable, secrets to keep.
But fate's dark hand, a cruel design,
A fall from grace, a loss so fine.
The innocence shattered, a truth unveiled,
A war within, a heart that failed.
Gene's guilt, a heavy weight,
Finny's spirit, sealed by fate.
A separate peace, a longing deep,
For days gone by, a promise to keep.
The war's dark clouds, a distant threat,
But in their hearts, a love unmet.
A sacrifice made, a lesson learned,
A friendship's flame, forever burned.
Through trials and triumphs, they stand as one,
A bond unbroken, a battle won.
In Devon's halls, their spirits soar,
A separate peace, forevermore.