A Young Man Named Otto Warmbier

 Otto with a group before he was detained

I feel I would be remiss if I did not mention the tragic death of Otto Frederick Warmbier. 

He was 21 when he went to North Korea with a tour group in late 2015. And walked straight into a horrific nightmare.

His group was prepared to leave in early 2016 when the University of Virginia student was detained and convicted of engaging in anti-state activity. 

His crime? Taking down a propaganda banner from his hotel.

Otto was finally released for "humanitarian reasons" last week in a vegetative state. He died on the afternoon of June 19.

Little else is known. Except that he has been in a coma for most of the time he was held in captivity.  

Otto died due to severe brain damage. Reasons unknown.

***

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
 

When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die. 

- Mary Elizabeth Frye