Today, Clea, you would have turned eighteen.
Should have been living life, your chance to dream
of careers, studies, being part of a team,
dancing at parties, like another teen.
Or would soon be travelling, seeing the globe,
enjoying food, views and towns, sending pics
of beaches or mountains, using lipstick,
buying gadgets, new clothes for your wardrobe…
I wonder who you would have liked to be:
independent young woman, go-getter
perhaps? Defiant and bold? Compliant yet free?
Would you have made me be someone better?
The questions remain unanswered for me,
older, ill, to sorrow ever fettered.