never shall i forget
the way you looked into my eyes,
your hand holding mine so tight.

do you still remember how you taught me to read and write?
your handwriting still lives in mine.

do you still remember our little secret?
ice cream after school?
cleaning the temple every summer afternoon?
and stories of the moon?

i do.
i never forget.

i love poetry.
i read it, write it, live it,
just like you did.
just like how you could summon a poem in a breath,
just like how your words live in people’s hearts,
just like how you carried life with grace and awareness.

i’m learning to keep my heart open,
even in times of uncertainty and confusion,
just like you did.

i’m learning to be patient,
to listen, to be present,
just like you did.

you visit me in my dreams,
this time of year.

…

will you visit me again,
this time, in the thirteenth year?

2025.07.11