Poetry: June 29th (For Karl)

June 29th

With the fireworks came the news

You weren’t coming.

Not today,

not ever.

 

I traded picnics and glow sticks

For a black dress and brand-new waterproof mascara.

 

Shaking sweaty hands

Of people I don’t know.

Swallowing my tears with

Flavorless lemonade.

 

With the heart of a drum,

The stomach of a butterfly house,

I realize

 

You’ve left.

 

And with you, a part of me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– J.S.