Jennifer Shneiderman
Mount Airy, North Carolina, 2023
Could I have done anything to save you?
Nah, I was too far gone.
I feel so guilty. Wish I could have done something. Anything.
It's ok. You did a lot. Paid for rehab. Paid off the dealer. I'm not blaming you.
I'm still sorry. I blocked you.
I know. It's ok. I forgive you. I would've blocked me too.
I forgive you too. Doesn't mean I'll ever get over it.
Come see me sometime. Mount Airy is just a plane ride away. The air so clear.
The mountain so green. Not like LA.
The graveside service was beautiful. The church ladies made us a luncheon.
Kentucky Fried Chicken and hush puppies?
And Sara Lee.
The best.
They were so kind. They really wanted to save our souls.
Their hearts are in the right place.
So is yours. So is yours.
Bio
Jennifer Shneiderman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her work has appeared in many publications, including: Yale University's The Perch, UCLA's Windward, and The Rubbertop Review. Her work has been featured on the Read650 podcast and she received an Honorable Mention in the Laura Riding Jackson 2020 Poetry Competition.