2021/02/17 ~ Patty

Liebling, stop, and smell the roses.
     Don't go through life so fast.
It's been three years: how I miss you so!
     Your face and memories are fading into the past.

The waters between us; how they churn!
      It's been too long my beloved sister.
Not dead, but so far away:
     Just out of reach beyond the impassible river.

The face of a cherub, a heart of gold.
     My confidant, a head of blonde curls.
A dark blue and dark green eye;
     So curious and sweet in a big cruel world.

I guess you'll be turning sixteen this year.
     How it pains me that I won't be there.
I pray twenty-twenty-one sees you through
     And you'll always remember how much I care.

I saw the clouds today and thought of you again.
     Remember that old trampoline and watching clouds go by?
Or curling up in bed with me 'cause you were scared to be alone?
     Baby girl, don't give up: reach for the stars in the sky.

I hope you ain't lost your simple charm;
     Your love and zeal for food and life.
As I write, tears long to shed and fall
     For the years between us will be at least another four or five.

Darling Sister, dear beloved one,
     My Caterpillar, look into the sky.
If you ever think of me with love,
     Just know, in spirit, I'm always standing by.

There's so much left to do, much left unsaid.
     I pray my leaving has not filled you with hate
For I know not what lies have filled your sweet head.
     When we reunite, I hope it won't be too late.

A river will always flow, connecting me and you.
     Someday you'll see I had to go, it's what I had to do.
You may not believe my words, but I swear to you they're true.
     Just know, my precious Caterpillar, I will forever love you.