to a friend

I've been thinking of your feet turning cold, of your lips growing blue, of your laughter sleeping in your throat. I've been wishing empty wishes. Someday, it'll be okay. I'll learn to live with the hollow where you once used to be. Eventually, I will laugh again, and when someone puts her arm around my shoulder, I will not think of you. Maybe, it will not feel so empty then. I will tell people of a friend I have, who stopped living, but did not stop existing. You will exist, for as long as you are remembered. And you are a memorable person, my friend. I wish I'd told you this when you could hear me.