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Irreplaceable Loss by KERRI ERWIN

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I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror 
Removing my earrings, glasses on, hair pulled up 
Messy bun on top of my head

I was startled to see your reflection looking back 
What an honor to look more and more
Like you. Oh, Mama.

I wish we could chat one more time.  
Oh that I realized sooner 
what a good friend I had in you.

All the things I didn’t know 
I was going to miss telling you about
And doing with you. 

All the things I wish 
I could bend your ear on
and ask for advice. 

I have been flailing about without your voice.  
I hop up on a raft for a time,
but then the waters pull me off again. 
 
I am not always fully submerged
but it turns into a struggle all the same.
There is no raft to replace you.


People tell me they hear you when I speak.
That they see you when my face smiles.
I hope to God that is true…
...the world needs more women like you.

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  1. ‎ ‎ CREATIVE WORKS: POETRY University of Alaska Anchorage Department of English