Before dead pale fingers reached through the graves



They used to be a blushing pink



Fresh with life



Pulsing with care and love



Caressing my face



Like the whispers of many flowers



And songs of many birds







Those fingers were connected to a special soul



One who birthed me



Sheltered me



Loved me







The fingers who wove together diamonds and pearls



Like an artist and his colors



On a blank canvas



Creating a delicate gem



A meaningful symbol



For me







Those smooth beautiful fingers



Placed it around my once tiny wrist



Clasping



Adjusting



Admiring



Smiling







Then like a cherry on top



A single diamond encrusted crayon charm



Joined the tangles of jeweled hooks and links







The beautiful loving fingers grasped my waist



And held onto me dearly



From there words from dying lips



Dripped their dew into my heart







“My Silhouette, my precious shadow



No matter where I go, no matter what happens



Remember always remember



You are unique like this diamond crayon



You have colored my life with every little thing you have done



When I look back at those colors made by my little shadow



I see the many beautiful sparkles you placed in my life



It makes me smile it makes me warm



Keep being you my shadow



Keep coloring the world with your love. . .”







The fingers weakened and loosened



Death came and took away the beautiful loving soul from those fingers



No more do they blush



Only pale white and frail







Scratching through the dirt in my heart



Tugging at my tears



Every time I wipe them away



With the edges of this rose







The diamond crayon clings against its metal chains



Echoing a haunting ring



Like the voice and touch of my dead mother



~