I was at your best friend’s funeral today
I cried when you spoke of your love for her and your depth of loss
You wore a bright butter-yellow dress with a manicure to match
Trying to create sunshine where there was none
But your toenails were aqua
I didn’t know her well, but I know that was her favorite color
The color of the calm ocean as it begs you to swim
The color of the tropical waters she spent so much time exploring
The color she associated with beach vacations with her family
with you
I wonder if you’ll keep repainting them or let them grow out
Grieving again as you clip away the last of the blue
Another reminder of the relentless march of time
And everything we lose along the way




















