Lourdes

The smile was what you’d notice first Before you’d even catch The necklace and the earrings, which, Of course, just had to match. The stylish silver hair cut short You’d note ‘cause it was thick And then you’d focus on the clothes, For color made her tick. But most of all, it was the laugh – Staccato, bold and loud. You’d hear it in an audience Or find her in a crowd. And now that laugh’s been silenced. How things change in just a minute! The world will be a duller place Without dear Lourdes in it. (in memory of Lourdes Ayala)