Alone

I am only half here. 

I am half there: Over where you left me. And tied my shoes. And took the training wheels off my bike. And took away all safety you had created. And glass shattered.

Like slow motion.

Shards

caught the light and-

Glimmered

stardust into the winter night.

Fell

on banks of snow.

         Slow motion-

and like silvery-white sprinkles on a birthday cake.

We slept over at their house that night. One of many where we left you home alone. 

All

A

Lone.

A company you kept your whole life.

Now she paints a picture, my mind can't help but replay:

You shuffle slowly. Find courage in encouraging words. Hear the echo of your slippers on the linoleum.  Wait for the elevator while gripping your walker like a child grips his backpack, nervously, on the first day of school.

Alone.

And I cannot be there to comfort you.

I am stuck. In my pink socks. Can't walk across the shards of glass.