tonight I felt the braided strands
gently pull apart
and fall…
the bracelet happened to catch
on my finger as I stretched.
I knew it would happen
someday
knew that string can’t last
like memory can.
but still my left wrist
feels unexpectedly bare
and I don’t like it.
I knew I’d wear it til it broke
because I still cared
and it kept me sane
when the storm inside made me wonder
had I made it all up?
I remember the night
you tied it on
the two of us sitting on my bed
leaning, talking, laughing
up much too late.
I reached for a hug as you left
and you pulled me clean off the bed
and the light of that moment
I want to carry with me
always.