Chandler smiles
like the world depends on the warmth it emits
Chandler laughs
like today is the last day he will have to chuckle
Chandler says my name
over and over
like he will never have another chance to say it
over and over
my name forms in the back of your throat and
rolls up to the back of your tongue
Rachel
Chandler is nineteen
Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy
Trapped in a body he cannot control
Like prison walls around his muscles
He is unable to move most of them
He uses what he can
He raises his good hand, waves, and flashes a smile
that screams flirtation
Chandler winks
Knowing he can make any girl swoon
Chandler says my name
Even when I am not there
Chandler’s hand may not fit perfectly with mine
But I will make the puzzle pieces fit
Chandler is somebody I know I will outlive
And the thought terrifies me
Knowing already that he may not make it past twenty
And while the clock is ticking
We will make the most of every moment
I kiss his forehead
He causes my heart to smile
and we shall live every moment to its limit
as if the world depends on it