Dear Ruby

When I thought no one cared

And I was alone,

You were there.

 

When my situation back home became too much to live with,

You were there.

 

When the only way I could face my reality     was to try and escape it,

You were there.

 

You were always there for everyone.
So dependable, funny, and sincere.
Your charisma, personality, and bright smile,

Light up a room like star in the night sky.

 

And now you are bedridden,

With a disease that spread fast throughout your body like gossip and rumors.

But no matter what I can do, there’s no way I can make you normal again.

 

Our friendship has lasted for many years, but your days with me are ticking faster than a clock.

And yet, you act nothing is going on.

You act like no one can see that your skin is borderline red, as if the medicine is stripping your skin from your body leaving only muscle and bone. Instead, you joke about how it’s the closest you’d ever get to a tan.

You act like you’re not scared.

 

How could you?

 

How could you be so thin and fragile and still be so strong?

How could you still be able to laugh and find enjoyment in life

When you know it’s going to end soon?

 

It was just yesterday that I helped you tailor your hospital gown,

Creating a Crayola storm on the fabric, wearing necklaces, and laughing.

Little did you know that you’ll be receiving

Some wings, a silk white robe, and your own halo—

The best outfit money can’t buy –

At the place you’re going to soon.

 

We are sisters by God, not by blood.

We know each other in ways that will never be able to be explained.

Connected to one another as if when one of us takes our last breath,

The other one’s breaths

Automatically            cease.

 

If this letter makes you hesitate,

You must remember this:

I did not compose these words to make you miss me

Because someday, I won't need to write you any more letters.

I’ll be right there next to you in the clouds instead.

 

Take care,

Your Best Friend

This poem is about: 
My community
Our world

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