3

Beyond the magic of a band-aid, or the healing of my mothering kiss.

You have slipped down and down and through my fingers.

I wrote down your secret name, folded it into tiny squares, and held it in hands that will never touch or soothe you.

Small and broken branch, I will mend you in my heart.

Piece together your body and remember all that could have been shared between us.

I love you deeply.

I love the laughter I never heard and the nose I never kissed.

I love the small hand I never held and the name I never called.

Some may see two, but I will always see three, for you are just as much a part of me.