In Memory of Tammy K. Riever
September 15, 1996

I knew who you were,
But we weren't really friends.
It's hard to believe
Your life has come to an end.

I see you in my mind,
Walking down the hall.
Or sliding into third base
In a race with a softball.

You had just graduated!
Spring of this year.
I had just seen you,
And now, you're not here.

You had so much ahead of you,
So much you hadn't done.
But now, you can't do those things
Because of a night that started as fun.

How could it end?
So quickly - so fast.
You didn't know that car ride
Would be your very last.

Now all we have
Are memories of you.
You'll be in our hearts
In whatever we do.

© 1998 The National Library of Poetry; "In Memory of Tammy K. Riever" Copyright © Paige Klassen