She was the girl
with the crooked smile
who had great plans, big dreams
for everyone but herself -
who kept change in her pocket
for the old woman
on the side of the road
and for the child
leaning over the edge
of the fountain
smiling at the pennies
that had sunk
heavy with hope
along with the empty wishes
they were supposed to make true.
She was the girl
with the copper eyes
twinkling
teaming with life,
the girl who was too lovely, too young
to die.