We emerged together
Leaving blood on our mother's legs
You came out first - purple and screaming
I followed you - I was the same
We learned to love our new world and our new bodies
The sweet air we breathed, the colours and the lights
The cream, the sugar, and all the delights
What did you do it? Why were you so alone?
Why are you here when your sister has gone home?
I was stirring the nectar with a cinnomon stick
When I heard you left.
Eyeliner tubes and silver shoes
Water to honey to curdled gloom
I was waiting for your tantrum to end
But not this way.
Where are your clenched fists and dark irises now?
Who cleaned your closet/paid your bills
Made the calls/tried to make good of this ill willed autumn?
A memorial in the park
A memorial for a friend
A farewell for a woman who chose the sea
Who chose to flee to be found
And didn't find
Or maybe found too much.
On a warm September day a girl was laid to rest
In state she'd never lived in
And a state she was bound to return to
Michigan and Grace.
