i still miss you

your smile set off fireworks

on distant, shadowed shores

your laugh like a lovely illness

contagiously sweet to its core.

your stubbornness tested me

clinched fists under dinner tables

i would never win a single argument

despite all the ones you enabled.

your encouragement boosted me

a special superpower setting me straight

the dreams you knew I could accomplish

the dreams you had - it was never too late

your judgements shrunk me down

my weight, height, makeup - all issues

you spoke so bluntly, unapologetic

i sat in my room surrounded by tissues

your memories are ..

beautiful

resentful

essential

detrimental

tonight i watch as fireworks flash

each one stands out in the dark sky

and i hear children laughing

and i wish i could say goodbye.

because i still miss you.

and i love you very much.