Burnt To Ashes

The memories played in his head forever.
His sad, darkened thoughts would not know surcease.
He felt a chill and began his endeavor,
Lighting a pyre to burn up his niece.

Brittle and dry, the leaves of autumn burnt strong.
Confusion reigned as the young body flamed.
Uncertain, he was, as this action felt wrong,
But in the end he would never be blamed.

Claimed by the disease, like her parents before,
She wasted away, her life incomplete.
He stood all alone, as he watched the flames soar,
And then he jumped in, admitting defeat.