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