your elbows are starting to peel
i noticed
as i gently rubbed soothing aloe onto your flesh
i realized
the reason you haven’t shaved
is because it would irritate your skin
i never want to go to the beach alone again
i only like it when i’m with you
we licked ice cream cones after dinner
and i liked the way you said my name with a wide, toothy smile
i can’t wait to cuddle up in bed tonight
bare flesh pressed against bare flesh
kiss me again
i’ll say
your lips still taste like salt

this is what i dream up in my mind
while you laugh
with someone—-else