Ribbons and bandanas
go hand in hand.
Whenever I see one,
the grief that I've
learned to control
finds a way back in.
They remind me of what
bravery and true fear
really look  like.
They remind me of
the sound of buzzing
hair clippers.
And the quiet sobs
from both of us as
our tears fell to the floor,
just like your hair,
that you loved so much.
They remind me of that terrible
oncologist office, that always
smelled like chemicals.
Where I sat with you
as we waited to hear:
" The doctor will see you now."
They remind me of the goodbye,
that hurts me to this day;
When your fight ended,
and the angels took you away.
Whenever I see a ribbon or bandana,
I'm reminded of you.
Life isn't fair, but you were a fighter
all the way through.