There was never a time before you. I’m looking through photographs in my basement And it dawns on me, you’ve always been there

From the moment I was welcomed into the world

Under the fluorescent lights, surrounded by blue You were waiting, ready to hold me for the first time

There was never a time without you. I’m reminiscing about mornings before school I’d gather my things and hurry out the door You would let me run ahead, but kept a close eye

On cracked sidewalks, surrounded by new You were waiting, ready if I needed a hand to hold

My memories are painted by you. I’m talking about a sweet childhood memory

Twirling in the autumn leaves in your front garden

Acting out stories while we ran through the trees

Small perhaps, but it felt like an ancient forest You were laughing, and your eyes lit up your smile

My world is better because of you. I’m wishing I could grasp that same feeling

As when you moved around the block and my world grew You showed me a new street of adventures

In living rooms, tiny hands grasping a mug of tea

You were holding me, in my second home

There is a time after you. Photographs slip through my fingers

Like how your presence slipped away from me

My hands tremble at the thought of writing

No poem is sufficient to honour you

No words can describe the love, the grief, the gratitude

And I just don’t know what to do. I didn’t realize time with you was fleeting

And now I’ve lost the both of you

I’ll continue to cherish each memory

Two chairs, two mugs, and one crossword

I’ll always admire you, my eyes filled with wonder

I love you. x