intangible memories flood my mind
as i attempt to mark them with material pieces.
the flowers that lay on his casket that day were white
because she wanted only the very best… and i agreed.
soft, moist petals adorned the chestnut case
that held him there in the front
for people to remember.
they all cried, kind words were spoken.
his body, taken away…
one
white
flower
fell from the spray.
i found it once
after the seasons had all changed.
no longer was it live and supple.
as i held it in my hand,
pieces crumbled to the floor.
tiny specks of petal stuck to my skin
and i remembered what was once beautiful.
not only the flowers but a life.
a life lived fully,
generously.
it was still beautiful, as i tucked it away.
but not as it was once.
it was the hollow shell, an echo
of something once more vibrant.
