Butterfly Kisses
To me, you will be forever young.
You were supposed to be twenty-six this Christmas
All your Christmas’
Magical
Exciting
Oh, the dreams you must have held
Of pretty dresses
Of a first love
Of going to college
Of a first child
Your dreams abruptly ended that night
When our paths crossed
Your journey in this world was ending
Alone and afraid
Mine was turning a new chapter
Taking me deeper into an abyss
When I close my eyes at night, I still see you
That sweet, nine-year-old little girl
I held delicately in my arms
Your skin ashen in color
Your eyes, empty and hollow
Focusing on something I couldn’t see
I didn’t understand
But you had to go
I couldn’t stop you
Oh, the dreadful feeling of helplessness
I hope you saw kindness in my face
Mine was the last one you would ever see
I hope the sound of my voice singing calmed you
I hope you liked the song I chose
Something told me “Butterfly Kisses” would be perfect
For a little girl wearing pink ballerina shoes
Oh, that terrible night
Seventeen years ago
To me, you will be forever young
Chris Patton is a writer focusing on helping readers feel the experience of PTSD flashbacks and other symptoms, rather than just reading about them. He also crafts the occasional poem about love and longing
