Eighteen Isn’t Long Enough To Live Poem by Connie Webb

I remember how we played on the playground
Giggling as we ate our big stash of candy in the fort.
I remember how we jumped off the big ferry boat
Thinking we were the worlds greatest divers
Even when we did a belly flop.
I remember when we danced to American Bandstand
We all thought we were the best dancers ever.
I remember when you helped me find my Easter basket
When no one else would.
Or you shared your candy with me from Halloween
When mine was all gone.
I remember when you stood up for me
Taking my side
Whenever someone hurt my feelings.
I remember you were the only one I would talk to
When I was having a breakdown,
Because I knew you would listen to me.
Eighteen isn’t long enough to live.
I still don’t understand
Why there is gang violence
And why you were in the wrong place
At the wrong time.
I miss you my brother.