Johanna Shapiro, PhD
January 20, 2000
You were drunk
You crashed your car
You died
You were twenty-four
What else was lost?
Girl’s spleen,
Leg, spirit
Boy’s speech, sight
Thinking mind
Future doctor, future artist
Carefree pleasures
Invincible youth
Unfolding future
Mother’s dreams
Luminous as light
Father’s hopes
An Everest of possibility
Brother’s teasing
Banana peels of jokes
Sister’s laughter
Dancing raindrops
Grandparents’ solace
Against encroaching dark
Friends’ companionship
Taken-for-granted
So, what was gained?
New friends in strange places
Uncertain understanding
Depths of courage
Unexpected faith
Not enough