AFTER by Vicki Lind

Sunday, May 5h

After a fall, Micki’s legs in ice, fail to dance

After three months, pleading like a fallen star. A cry of “No” “no” “no” 

I’m only alive when I fly and prance

After a fright, her canary had lost all song, the kitchen was still 

After three months, song returns like a risen savior, A trill of “Chirp. Chirp. Chirp”

A chorus for Micki, the house to fill

After three months, the parrot wonders, the quiet bed

After three days, cries like a hungry orphan. A whisper of “caw “caw” “caw” 

Not wanting to know Micki is dead

Micki Carrier

April 18, 1956- April 22, 2025