Youngest Sister

And she's gone.
Dancing
Twirling
Laughing

As I fade out
She grows brighter
So radiant
I must look away,
Not for the sting in
The eyes,
But the lump in the
Heart.

Beautiful
And broken
I want to fix it all.
I hold her hand
And lead her to my spot
At the kitchen table.

As memories flood,
And desperation calls.
I tuck her in,
We pray together.

For her, my soul cries out
And my lips speak
The secret words
Only I know will heal:
"You will never be alone."

Streak of pink
Ballet shoes on the floor.
Dancing
Twirling
Laughing