A Valediction: Forgetting Mourning

[stakebait]

Pain ends, and then the memory of pain,
And then the memory at all. I forget to call,
I forget the first three digits of your phone number
I forget which arm bears vaccination scars
I forget if you’re the one who liked to kiss until they’re gasping
I forget the way your mouth moved in your sleep
I remember stories I have told about you
Better than the days that turned into the stories.
For all the years left I will know that it is not forever,
this scant handful of years till I forget your middle name.