LAUGH

(In Loving Memory of Stephanie)

Your laughter echoes
In memories and videos,
These things you left behind
Keep you alive until

We remember the truth.
Your heart beat stopped
Like a clock, forever frozen
In that last moment.

You were so funny,
Always cracking jokes,
Hating to be too serious,
Because life was meant to be lived.

Laughter aside, you were a warrior,
Fighting bullies, imbeciles, and demons alike.
I admired your strength of spirit.
You were truly one of a kind.

Why is it that the most beautiful hearts
Beat the loudest before falling silent
Far too soon, yet the hearts of monsters
Go on beating forever?

It’s been a few years, but it still feels surreal.
Your husband was left alone.
Your babies went back to their birth mom,
And I swear I heard you cursing her name.

I hear your voice sometimes saying,
“Girl, stop crying, I’m fine.”
I know you are out of pain,
But this world is darker without you in it.

I just can’t comprehend
Why monsters live when angels die.
You’d laugh at me calling you that,
But wicked or not, you were an angel to me.

When I was shy, scared, and bullied,
You befriended me, not caring what the
Popular crowd thought of your kindness.
That simple act of friendship saved my life.

I wish I could have saved you, too.
Your heart was literally broken and failing.
The universe always tried to destroy you,
But you still laughed and fought until the end.

I miss you, I love you.
I will remember you always,
Until we meet again one day.
I will honor you with every laugh.

© All Rights Reserved