Heart-Shaped Noodle Memorial

And on this Memorial Day

There is so much I can’t remember,

But so much I can’t forget—

About you…

I remember a heart-shaped noodle

Sitting on your kitchen counter.

And I was so in love with you

That I was mesmerized by the idea of you having them.

Just so damn normal.

But they were yours,

So naturally, they were everything.

And I texted you about them

Because I thought it was so damn cute.

Because it was.

And you told me not to eat them because they were old.

Which both makes my heart giggle and break

Thinking about it now, more than four years later.

Because that was you—so you.

Also, the noodles would have been fine.

But I wasn’t asking to eat them.

I was trying to tell you I loved everything about you.

I wonder if you ever ate them,

Or if they’re still there with you—

Wherever that may be.

And that’s my memorial to you, from me.

As you remember everyone else,

I’ll remember you.

I’ll ache in my heart-shaped noodle stew,

Always for you.

Which, most of the time, I do forget—

Except today.

Memorial Day.

Pinging, tried, and ringing true:

There’s only you.

But time forgets

My deep regret I left in you.