You died in my childhood

even before the day had begun.

I remember.

Petals falling into the silence and its midnight,

where my longings could not be persuaded to follow.

Falling into the dreams I could not keep.

Falling into the bejeweled stars that remain unknown

you closed your beautiful eyes surrounded by constellations.

You always found the perfect hiding place,

how I look for you in everything I see.

You are always here and far away.

So many petals, I gather them to take home.

The burden is sweet, that is why I am crying.

Stephen Cipot

Garden City Park