Not a moment goes by 
that I don’t miss you. 

Your smile and laugh 
became my source of joy. 

The icy, skeletal fingers of death 
robbed me of that comfort. 

Not a moment goes by 
that I don’t think about you. 

It seems like yesterday, 
we sat on the sofa, 

eating ice cream, 
gossipping about boys, 

and longing for brighter days, 
a better life beyond the desert, 

We envisioned a limitless future 
beyond the unforgiving heat, 

a chance to make a greater impact 
than what Arizona can offer. 

The pain cuts deep 
every time Facebook reminds me 

Of our birthday celebrations, 
dancing together as if there 

was no tomorrow. 
I miss those days. 

I hope you’re up in heaven, 
encouraging me to keep going, 

not to dare give up on my dreams 
or slack because of bad days. 

You remind me who I am, 
what my dreams are, 

that I’ll make an impact with my writing, 
and can never give up on myself. 

Until the day I pass, 
I will cherish our memories. 

Editor: Shannon Hensley