Life Goes On, Your Memory Still Lives

By Jordan Aguiar

The tide still comes in, crashing on our favorite beach
I remember when we used to watch it together, holding hands, breathing in the ocean air
When I want to remember you, I go and watch the tide come in.

The leaves still fall, making a big mess covering the ground you lay 
I remember when we used to collect them into a big pile, raking the yard, and jumping in
When I want to remember you, I sit and watch the leaves fall 

The birds still crow, singing songs only they know 
I remember when the birds would wake us up, and we’d mock the sound they made 
When I want to remember you, I listen closely to hear the birds crow

The sun still shines, brightly through the trees 
I remember when we would sit in the front lawn and tan 
When I want to remember you, I go sit and sunbathe

The family still laughs, at silly jokes and memories 
I remember when you would tell a funny story, having everyone gasp for air 
When I want to remember you, I watch the videos we used to laugh about

The room is still bright, the walls radiating with aura 
I remember when you picked out the color of the room, wanting the most vibrant color 
When I want to remember you, I sit in the room you painted and stare at the walls

I try to navigate this world without you but
It just won’t be the same
I am thankful that there is a piece of you in every part of my life. 

The author Jordan Aguiar is a soon to be college graduate of Westfield State University. This piece was originally written for a creative writing course. She was inspired by the loss that had surrounded her family and hometown during this time. The piece is a nod towards grief and carrying on the memories of those who have passed.