The Last Time I Saw You

The last time I saw you, we were here;
Here in this hopelessly cramped laundry room,
Ignoring the humming machines
And gazing into each other's eyes.
Do you remember?
I gritted my teeth against the tears
As you blinked back comfortingly,
Braving your own doom.
I miss you.

--

The last time I saw you, we were here;
Here in the room with the orange carpet and plush beige chairs
That are so easy to lose yourself in,
Grinning like fools as we caught the end of the hockey game.
Do you remember?
I hooted and cheered incessantly for the Canadiens
As you pulled me into your warm embrace,
Calling me your "sweet".
I miss you.

--

The last time I saw you, we were here;
Here in the musty house that only stands up due to sheer force of will,
The house I love for its memories,
Chatting idly about the uncertainty that is my future.
Do you remember?
I munched on your delicious cabbage rolls
As you chuckled good-naturedly, your eyes twinkling,
Amused by my blatant simplicity.
I miss you.

--

The last time I saw you, we were here;
Here in this tiny, peeling cottage by the expansive lake,
Ensconced in the dingy, once-orange couch,
Silently enjoying each other's company.
Do you remember?
I nudged your nose with my own and cocked my head
As you gave a contented sigh and looked upon me with patient eyes,
Wordlessly sharing with me your wisdom.
I miss you.

--

The last time I saw you, we were here;
Here in the dimly lit room I know like the back of my hand,
Trying not to lose each other in the darkness,
Too afraid to let go.
Do you remember?
I brushed my hand across your cheek gently
As you reflected my own emotions through your sad stare,
Hugging me and promising you'd return.
I miss you.

--

The last time I thought of all of you was here;
Here in this cheery playground that knows nothing of gloom
And everything of experiences,
The playground that waits patiently for your stories to be told.
I remember.
I take advantage of the swingset, letting the clouds tickle my toes
As your smiling faces float through my imagination,
Causing me to smile in return.
I miss you all,
But none of you are gone forever.

A/N: Just getting some stuff off my chest. Here is to five of the most beautiful souls I've ever known - to those I've lost, those who have yet to return to me, and those somewhere in between. Thank you for everything.