She was my hero once, she was my joy,

A mighty and an independent soul

Who brought comfort to a lost, flailing boy

Grown up too soon and struggling for control

Of a life out of sorts. I watched her bring

Sympathy and empathy in a time

Of desperate need, when such a simple thing

Seemed beyond the grasp of a confused mind

Shattered by events misunderstood, when

Nothing made sense. Her mature words were balm

To a family needing just that. And then

Bearings found, we all found a sense of calm.

Dear Nicki, you changed my life, this I know.

You’re with me now, and everywhere I go.