A diner full of love and life,
food served with heart and soul;

Hundreds of lives touched,
some big and some small;

A laugh that filled the room,
and a smile to welcome you home;

Iris, dancing in the violets
and peering from the lilies;

Her life bloomed in shades
of brilliant purple and blue

She had endless optimism,
and wisdom kept sharp;

A heart that never stopped growing,
and a hug to make things right.

The garden grows still, but
a little less vibrant

without its great and wonderful Iris.

Oh, I hoped
I could be free from this,
but I suppose I knew better.

The ache in my chest,
the crashing in my ears,
my vision full of blue,

so much blue

Oh, I hoped
I wouldn't have to swim,
reaching and kicking

Hoping to keep my fingers
to the cool air above,
a reminder that I have a chance

This ocean isn't one
you can simply see,
but it's so real,

so painfully real

to me.

Smoke
clouding
our minds
Filling
our skies with
choking gray
We run
from the flames,
but they're always in sight

Clear skies
feel like
a figment in my mind,
Lost memories
from when I was
still so small
Bright blues
and prismatic hues
to make youth shine

I dream
of embracing
the colors of my past
Magic and joy
to guide me through
the choking storm,
Hope and love
to lead me to
the wonderous future

As the sun rises today,
remember what you love.

As the sun rises today,
remember who you love.

As the sun rises today,
remember that you are strong.

As the sun rises today,
remember to carry on.

i just wanted you to know
that I've been reading your poems
your stories
your heart
and I too
bleed for these words
like you
and I hope
you read mine too
when your heart
seek for words

My heart feels like
a classic holiday tale,

Growing to 4x the size,
warmer than it's ever been

I have more favorite sounds,
your laugh now included,

Your smile a new favorite view;
I marvel at the collection

These experiences I never knew
could be possible for me

This sudden, boundless emotion,
a genuine look into infinity.