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Just like that, she was gone

Just as fast as I was made and brought onto this earth

As fast as she watched me grow up

As fast as she saw me through high school, then college and becoming "adult"

In that next flutter of a hummingbird's heart

She was gone

Not six months before, we had plans

Plans to meet "new" family

Figure out our genealogy

See which side of Africa we were made from

Travel the South; seek our roots

My most precious roots were ripped away.

Not three months before, we had growth

Me, out on my own for real

Her, settling into her empty nest

Figuring out how to continue being friends

While knowing we had constant, ever-changing familial roles

Our growth...stunted

Then, just like that, it hit

The scourge of our October

The battle not likely to be won

But a fight not soon given up

...someone lied to me

David was supposed to beat Goliath

But somehow my David

Built to withstand all my bullshit

Engorged with all of my love

Filled with more spirit and fight than a Civil War battlefield

Somehow MY David

Wasn't strong enough for this sneaky Goliath

And just like that, she was gone