For Heather

I've written this in memory of my late cousin, who died of cancer aged 16 (the same age as myself at the time). It refers to a marathon I did to raise funds for her charity on her 18th bday.

I kiss my wrist and point to the sky
as I cross the finishing line
just like I always do
and they never understood why.
Its words read ‘keep the faith’
just like you always did.
I made this day for you
and the others did the same.
As I walked in the church behind you
I crossed that line as so.
I kept myself going in the
aching June sunshine
because you never let go.
A heart so strong for one so young
and it just shouldn’t be your time.
‘Ashes to ashes’ were his words
as one by one we cried.
The most brutal moments that
I have surely ever seen;
the cheeky, fiery young woman
lost her life at just sixteen.

A star shines down over this city,
it’s brighter than the rest.
It twinkles and it gleams,
it’s out early and yet so pretty.
As the years pass it’s still tough to take,
something which stunned a family,
which kept us all awake
that harsh night in October.
Something which set about
holding back my development
despite me getting older.
And those summer afternoons
we spent together so many years ago
seem so distant in my mind.
How could you not be immune?
Immune from this demon on our time?
The devil which took you to God
at the age of just sixteen
gave him an angel in a way
I’d never have foreseen.

Author's Note

I haven't written this as a serious piece, nor have I crafted or developed it. I simply noted down thoughts and decided I'd share it.

Reviews

[Mia]

I don’t even know where to start or how to start. It’s as if you took your heart and squeezed the sadness into this poem and reading it dripped drops into my heart.
“Something which set about
holding back my development
despite me getting older.”
That’s so intense. Sharing something so personal in such a real way is...there are no words for what it is. When I read things like this, I always want to say sorry for everything you’ve been through. I know that those words don’t even come close to what you need. Four years on and she is still just as special to you, and you miss her still so much.
Jordan, with as much sincerity as one stranger can have towards another, this is beautiful and I hope it’s okay that I say that I think your cousin is honoured and touched by this. I believe our loved ones watch over us and I’d like to believe that she read this and it made her smile.
I'm glad you decided to share, this is something to be proud of.
*Insert BIG HUG* in the least creepiest way possible

[TheJordBaker]

thank you :) I believe that they watch over us too and that's why we keep them close to us after all the years that go by.
your words have made me smile once again.

[Mia]

I am truly glad that my words could do that for you! And as always it’s a pleasure!

[Lost in Wonderland]

This was so sad yet beautifully written. The imagery put a picture clearly in my mind and the emotions and metaphors you used were fantastic. While there is a sense of sorrow and loss, it also contains great strength and determination. Truly great piece of writing, and I'm sure your cousin is smiling down at this right now. Wonderful work!
God bless
~Mickey

[TheJordBaker]

thank you so much :)

[Lost in Wonderland]

No problem at all:)