PEOPLE Poem: Ruins After a War, by Megan Ortiz

I remember it was like ruins after a war, with flowers up to my calves,
An intelligent breeze, a blue sky and flawless sun rays.

I remember the inhale and exhale of every memory,
Each one impaling a different part of my childhood.

I remember realizing part of me would be frozen forever
As if met with medusa’s solidifying stare.

I remember the denial of being bluffed a good hand,
And knowing he had taken too much this time and gone too far.

I remember the hesitation to tell me over the phone
Because the cops didn’t know how, but we all knew why.

I remember the last time I saw him he couldn’t speak an honest word,
Someone tossed him a ball and he let it drop.

I remember the last smile and time he put his hands in his pockets,
He had taken too much this time and gone too far.

I remember it was like ruins after a war with flowers up to my calves
Like a fire had burned everything to the ground.