there is a palpable ache
a gap in our hearts
sorrow whistles in each rattling breath
you told me once
you were content with imperfect
showed me what it was
to rise up
to keep going
your laughter
called us out on bullshit
we’d thank you for it
you were the best of us
we’ll miss you
blank spaces where your reply
would have been
seats at a table
smile for the times you lit our lives
be grateful
we were part of yours
Harley E. Ryley is a memoir writer, poet & accidental novelist. She is currently studying for her PhD in Creative Writing at the University of Sheffield and is funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council via the White Rose College of Arts & Humanities. Her thesis will develop an innovative approach to memoir which plays with language, truth and rules, writing a meta-memoir on language-constructed selfhood. Sounds fun right?
Harley also uses her ‘proper job’ skills from her previous life as a Civil Servant to provide Business Development services to creative organisations. Check out ‘writing services’ to find out more.
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Harley E. Ryley 
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