school girls and careless twirls, her giggles carried wishes, and you soaked them in red wine. the graveyard of her youth settled in your backyard. she chose carefully, digging the grave liners beneath an old loves clothesline. the citrus tree branches sway above, as her memories keep searching for rest.

everyday she visits, slowly and somber. she carries flowers, ribbons, lace, and all her favorite lies. when she arrives, every part of her comes alive. her youth always whispers like the wind. it giggles with long kept secrets and braids her long hair, traces her lips, the bridge of her nose and eyebrows, gently along her face. her youth is a mothers soft touch before bed.