black enameled
stairs, worn
with sorrow
climbed solemn
to a second floor
her small room
sat back, tucked
within an alcove
a bright tiny space
pink chenille
remembered
her weight -
dancing legs,
laughter like
sudden joy
when I arrived
the sacred heart
was still smiling -
but even
the floorboards
missed her
the only light
in a dark house
