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The world can stand still, but only when it must. The scissors of time have chopped off the end of the long, pale blond braid down your back, but your fingers do not know this, and so they tread in empty air for a moment before you realize that you have let go.
The world can stand still, but while it does, you watch the smallest bits and pieces fly about. Flashes not of your own life, but of the life dearest to you: a tiny hand clasping yours, while the trees laughed away their red and orange leaves; a ladybug on her nose, changing colors as she stared at it, cross-eyed, exploring her newfound magic; a bucketful of her inquisitive questions pouring down upon you, fresh and bright. And you feel no fear, only gratitude that today she is the girl out catching Gulping Plimpies by the creek.
The world can stand still, but not for long. There is not time to explain why Bubotuber pus must have such an awful reaction to Gurdyroots when they ought to be chemically compatible, when you do not want to die. And although your workroom is shattering, your cauldron exploding, your body burning, these are all too far away to notice. Curiosity is your essence, the dust of which you came and shall soon become; even now, your mind is wishing to know why. And then your heart is being lost in love and grief; your heart is drowning in the creek before her very eyes; your heart is bleeding a silent apology for stealing yourself from her. For making her ask that question, so young. For letting the world stand still
            (I love you, sweetheart)
                       until you have breathed your last and are still.
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Still by 1000timesingoldenink
Chapter Endnotes: This poem was written for the Poetry class at Hogwarts. It was inspired by an image provided by my professors, which can be found at http://25.media.tumblr.com/ede2654ad0083b56f5e13e389af85579/tumblr_mng0mxK7Zw1qjm3neo10_1280.jpg.
Edit: This poem is among my submissions to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards this year; wish me luck!