before that sotted boy

wrecked both of their lives.

nearly twenty-one summers -

had scarcely begun living.

a year since the accident -

with no sign of life

save the slow beat of your heart

as i speak to you each night.

friends stopped coming long ago -

only i remain...

while i try to reach her mind

science preserves her body

and tubes in her nostrils

and other places...

weeping with bitter sorrow

i keep trying to touch her.

a cupcake with one candle

now she's twenty-two

a wish sweetheart, please return

then extinguish the lone flame.

forearm next to whitened hand

i read Bard aloud.

dawn outside, it's time to leave,

eyes closed, i pray for movement

she reached out and touched my arm

tears rolled down my face.

finally - sign of a mind

within her broken body.