Charlotte was working on a story 
called 'Memories' in our Short Fiction class at WVU.
I have taken some of those memories and woven them
into the feelings I am experiencing from her loss.

Let's play like.... 
Like we did when we were little 
When cities grew beneath Grandma's house 
And we knew nothing of life's riddles 

Let's play like 
We aren't afraid at all 
Of snakes and spiders 
Or how the dice may fall 

Let's play like 
We're safe and secure 
Tucked in between feathers 
And not at all unsure 

Let's play like 
The pain of loss isn't real 
And sift pleasant memories through 
the rusted screen of how we really feel 

Let's play like 
Charlotte taught us all 
Let her memory spark inspiration 
In a southern drawl.... 

We'll miss you, Slawe.... 

© Karli Shanklin. All rights reserved!