Two Losses, One Funeral

My juvenile dress

I’ve long since donated to Goodwill.

Puffy eyes, mascara gone.

Cried off since the early afternoon.

A young life taken.

Death walking through our halls,

running his hands along the lockers.

Loss screaming so loud

we cannot even hear ourselves cry.

I found solace in your parked car

that night.

Your quick wit a comforting hug,

your fierce kindness a life raft.

You brought me light

on that dark day

and forever marked your name in my heart.

But

that quick witted girl doesn’t exist anymore.

There wasn’t a memorial service to honor her.

You broke my heart

when you let her fade away.

I gave away my daisy-covered

funeral dress

and with it my heart.

For my love is with the fiercely kind,

quick witted girl.

Not this cruel,

cynical imposter

who took her place.