Little Phantom

This is a poem I wrote about two years ago. My poetry has improved since then, but I still like this one...mostly because I wrote it after a family friend lost his son. The kid was ten years old and I felt like I'd never stop crying.


Little Phantom
By celebrimbria


A ghost in the hallways;
Little phantom,
Waltzing at the edge of mine eyes.
Bundle of hopscotch and laughter
That died in September.

Tiny red curls, and little bright eyes…
Shining and smiling,
But never with life.
Baby-dolls and tea sets,
Jump ropes and dandelions…

Freckles and cup cakes,
Sleeping Beauty and mermaids,
Dress-up and blue ribbons…
Too fragile.
Too frail.

Her why’s had no answer,
Though her eyes always asked.
Why couldn’t she stay?
Why not to the last?

I couldn’t tell her.

She is not here,
Though her phantom will linger.
Her echo is golden,
But it cannot replace.

A heart-felt prayer,
Consolations and footfalls, then
Silence…deadly and blessed.
A tiny coffin in an empty hall…

But then I hear her laughter…
Her face, it seems to smile.
Cover that face!
Her eyes were green, when open;
Her hair in the wind blew red…

Let me forget!

The work is done, dear child,
Go play,
And let me rest.