She was there during my darkest days

when I was afraid of my own shadow,

I wouldn’t have left the basement

if she wasn’t a writer.

She gave me advice that I pinned to my mind.

She brought me with her on her walks.

She made me feel like I mattered,

like I could conquer my demons.

Her laugh brightens my days.

She says we can talk on the phone

as if we were still sitting next to each other.

She gave me her cat and said I was meant to have her.

She told me I’m not stupid and somehow knew it was exactly what I needed to hear.

She is strong,

been through so much

and she keeps pressing on.

She is like sunlight.

I’ve always looked up to her.

She has helped many people.

Sometimes reading my poetry to kids in her class

to inspire them.

She would also share my story and say if I could get through this,

YOU can do it, too.

I don’t know what I would do if I lost her.