In memory of Roberta Neuman, 1954-2020

You weren’t like all the other girls in school.
My spirit had snapped like a twig at winter’s end
from girls like them.

Years of jeers in hallways louder
than school bells, whispers, head-flicks,
and pranks—long before we’d crossed paths.

You were different. spirited, strong yet gentle,
following your own path, but taking me with
you. Sharing your family, friends, life.

Our friendship lasted decades,
diverged while we traveled,
following careers on our own, then

reconnected as good friendships do.
I was happy you saw the second chapter
of my life—

grateful to tell you how you inspired me.
That was before the cancer gripped you
like a python.

You fought at first with sass and sparkle,
but cancer doesn’t care about sparkle.
Weeks later, you were gone.

You once told me that when we die,
we’re all going to the same place. 
When I see you again,

I hope to see you sparkle.