Every night
Every night
after saying her prays
after snuggling under her covers
she outs the lamp on her night stand.
In the eerie glow from the moon behind her carelessly shut curtains
tears drop slowly down her cheeks.
Crying really isn't a catharsis for her anymore
more of a private memorial for all the poor souls that were lost
and won't ever be found again.
A tear for Tess who never knew who she was
a drop for Caitlyn who just needed someone.
Another for Nate, who always knew what to say
wet cheeks for Jason, who never got his way.
A silent weep for Ella, the girl with a smile from above
and, finally
after sniffing woefully once
and clenching her fists in the sheets
several droplets of salty tears for Shane
the boy she loved.