dear uncle,
i began flipping through old photos
and was reminded of you.
it has been over a year
but right now my:
eyes are filling with tears
heart is breaking into pieces
lungs can't get enough oxygen
body wants to shut down.

i took you for granted
i pushed you away
i'm the worst niece because
i ignored you everyday,
even when i remembered
to pray.

i thought you would break through
i thought you would break free
i know it was an accident
but can't you see,
how it's hurt everybody,
including me.

it's hard to believe
it's hard to understand
you came to church with us three days before
but things don't always go as planned,
and i was too worried about me
to even shake your hand.

i wish i could go back in time
i wish i could be genuine
let you know that i love you
because maybe then,
i wouldn't have these regrets
and be stuck here with only my pen.

i know where you are
i know you're in a better place
but it feels like so long
until i get to see your face,
again.