I remember comparing tattoos,
Leaning against the railing
At the mall and
Swapping our stories --
My crazy mother,
Your basketball team and teenage years,
How the state champs celebrated with ink
To never forget those golden glory days --
And the night we talked of religion,
You asked me what I believed
And actually listened
To all of my answers.
You were the spark of life,
The eye-roller, the maker of waves
And even when you played the grumpy old man
It was there, that mischievous smile.
The last time we spoke I told you,
Between I love yous and tearful goodbyes,
"Now I have no one to talk to"
And you said "Yes you do."
But it's different already
Just knowing that you're gone,
That there will be no more memories
Or jokes that only we find funny.
No more dinners at Chili's,
Heckling waitresses,
Everyone's smiles embarrassed
Except for yours...
No more family gatherings,
Sitting in the corner
And talking while the others
Do whatever normal grown-ups do.
You were smart, and interesting
And ornery, and didn't care
If others disapproved.
You were happy,
And the world that never
Appreciated you enough
Is already infinitely
More boring, now you're gone.
