The Lost (I)

On her own she twirls
throws her head back
grins up at heaven
in innocent love

Dips and bows
as she walks along
she doesn't care
it's not proper

pure laughter
rings from her lips
pure sweet joy
radiates from her face

she jumps
into her brothers arms
kissing his cheek
as he strokes her hair

hand in hand
they walk inside
her birthday cake
displays a seven

"are they almost here?"
she asks her hero
he tickles her
and tells her to wait

He hides his concern
and chases her outside
distracting her
by playing once again

Five hours pass
and soon she sleeps
curled up in a ball
head on his lap

exhausted by it all
his tears overflow
already older
than his 10 years

soon a soft knock
rudely wakes him
careful of his Maggie
he moves to the door

His worst fears
it's Aunt Marie
gently she holds him
tears wetting his shirt

"they're gone Jake"
he pats her back
unable to breathe
unable to speak