Two Little Girls: One’s a Little Older

Black hair inches forward

Cascading into the grey of a winter’s evening.

Lines dance upon an unmarked canvas

Telling stories of joy and worry.

I look at her,

As she stares at the setting sun.

The dreamy embers reflected in

Her steady eyes.

Until the light disappears,

And they become hollow.

Another day has ended

Time has stolen it away.

I find myself wanting,

Yearning,

For the ability to pluck

the sun up from its resting place,

And the strength

To hold it in the sky.

I am no match for time.

He laughs at us.

Two little girls

As we challenge him,

As we make bold claims

Of youth and immortality.

She no longer chants with me,

Her eyes have been frosted over,

Her gaze focused on the horizon.

She sits with our enemy

Enjoys his company.

They share stories

And laugh at their memories.

I warn her

Of the weapon he holds

The one he keeps in plain sight.

But she pays no attention.

When I’m not looking,

He takes her away.

Before I can think to say

Goodbye.