Friend.
The first time I laughed
after they were gone
it surprised me.
It was something small.
Nothing really.
But it came out of me
before I could stop it.
And right after
came the guilt.
As if I had done
something wrong.
As if laughing
meant I was leaving them behind.
I have thought about that
a lot since.
I do not think
laughter is forgetting.
I think it is the part of me
they helped build
still working.
They made me laugh
for most of my life.
So maybe
when it happens now
that is them too.
Just a little.
— Hank
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For the days that feel too long,
The Porch: Pieces for a Broken Heart
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