Katelyn Riccardi | + Follow Poet |
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The Best You've Felt In a While

"That's my name, don't wear it out!" She sings
I can almost hear her voice echo 
as I put on her earrings 

Lily of the valley
carved next to your name
The tattoo on my back
is an image quite the same

Curled up next to you 
on the arm of your favorite chair
I ask you to read me a story over again
It's the fourth time, but you don't care

Sleepovers at your apartment
fried chicken and Chinese checkers
I remember how hard you laughed
when I put in your dentures 

I remember the car ride there
Sunshine peeking through your hair 
You said it was the best you felt in a while
That made my mom smile

Suddenly across the room
Your face flushed
To your side, everyone rushed
You reached up
Hands near your neck
Everyone in the room a nervous wreck

I run outside
I'm told you'll be fine
I go back in through the back door 
They have you laid out on the floor

Circle of people surround you 
my mom on the phone 
The ambulance comes and gets you
Mom and Dad take me home

I remember you on the gurney
You had a blanket that was white
Dad said "don't you worry
Grandma will fight"

Small hospital room
The family all near
The kind nurse tells me to talk to you
she says you can still hear

I went home that evening 
and I guess so did you 
but not to your same apartment
You had a new home with a view

In the front of the room
My aunt told me not to be scared
I finally get to see you
I run my fingers through your hair 

Six angel statues line your casket
each a piece to remember you
I slip a note in your drawer
Hoping you'll read it an remember me, too

I feel guilty I don't visit your grave very often
But I know you aren't really in that coffin
You're saying this is the best you've felt in a while
And that makes me smile

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