Gone Far Too Soon

Young woman lies dead in a sordid motel room.
Dawn's call shatters dreams; family nightmare gains strength.
Questions seep through a brother’s tears; anger fuels pain.
So young, so kind, so happy—why then did she die?
Coroners dance with blood test results: Overdose.

Found by drunken boyfriend. He offers tequila
To the police who let him go: no charges filed.
Known drug user—fifty antidepressant pills
Are missing from three day old prescription refill.
Even drug-tracked arms don’t raise questions with police.

Family travels to Tennessee funeral
Bringing home their baby sister: Gone far too soon.