On Lori's Birthday (My Heart Is Still Broken)

Keeping in mind that this day belongs to Lori, I raise a glass to her and wish ceremonious, but insincere, blessings for the coming year. Bitterly following behind her, she’s dressed in yellow, an outfit I picked out and secretly she’s always hated. She always loved too much and kept herself hopeful to joys she’d never know. I believe in hope, but can’t be wrapped up in it myself. I shrink down, find my way free from expectations and remain only myself. Drive on, yourself, towards goals and new friends. The time has been too short for sentiment and I simply offer nothing. The dinners and the hours of longing are more distant than time itself; they fade quickly into beige thoughts, pure and happy, but forgotten.