Cordelia

Cordelia was twenty-eight

working and attending school

when an unfair twist of fate

halted her busy schedule

as a waitress in Illinois

she was paid in generous tips

her schooling was a joy;

she’d accrued many scholarships

her brother in the city

said, after she called him, he wept on the floor

it was such a pity

it was already stage four

her parents didn’t know what to do

who were they without their daughter?

they worried they bit off more than they could chew

when they said they’d make sure no one forgot her.

but Cordelia is still alive

in the countless stories

if you remember to think of her, she’ll remain alive

whatever you do, don’t let go of those memories.