by Lila Shygelski

I’m sorry I lied when I promised to always keep you safe

I hope you knew I only did it because I cared

You were perfect in every way, and I wish could have saved you

The way you screamed still haunts my dreams

I hope you understood why we couldn’t go home together

You bled all over my favorite shirt, but it didn’t matter

The smell is still burned into my memory

I hope you know how much I still think of you

You didn’t deserve to leave this world that way

The memory of that night is all I can ever remember you by

I hope you went to heaven knowing I love you

Does it matter that I’m no longer religious?

I’m sorry it wasn’t me instead