Ode to the Ranger, a friend.

You’re gone now,
The ranger who made me smile,
The one who made me feel so special,
With a heart that stretched for miles. 

Your laughter, your love,
They sparkled like stars in the night.
They were there, they were real,
An anchor, a gentle light. 

So here I am, writing these words,
Not knowing how to say goodbye.
You suffered, you loved, you gave,
Then lifted your wings to fly. 

Years passed, yet the mark remained,
From splashing pools to songs we’d dance along.
My aunt and uncle chose well, I knew—
No one could sing a brighter song. 

You’ll stay with me, forever near,
In memories vivid and true,
The ranger squad is dimmer now,
With the world missing a bit of you. 

With love, from your favorite camper 

Where I Left Off

The table was set,
You on one end, I on the other,
Sharing a meal in that quiet way,
Unknowing it might be our last together. 

Then I wake,
Just me at the table, same old food,
Talking to myself, echoing words
That only the walls seem to hear. 

Routine grows gray, the days wear thin,
Sanity slips between thoughts within,
Conversations spinning circles in my head,
I should have just stayed in bed. 

I want to curl up, let the memories fade,
But you haunt me close, refuse to leave,
A shadow too near, yet just out of reach,
As if lingering between loss and peace. 

I thought you’d be gone, only a dream,
Yet you linger, unsettling, unseen.
Fear may brush me, but won’t take hold—
Here, I remain, steadfast and bold.