Two children, and too many
Words to describe us. Human dictionaries

That wore our hearts on our sleeves. Diagnosis:
Adolescence. [REDACTED]. Things we don’t talk about

Any more. What healed you, friend,
Is the same flame that made scars

Of me. I think of us every drive up,
Drive down back to where we began-

Cherry limeade slushy and my hair
In pigtails, we were too old

For this. These are memories I have chosen
To forget. Today you are hungover

And the phone line is silent, but I know
You are still waiting for me, not much

Older, but so close I can almost hear you.
I can almost hear you

In the tall grasses
Or in the pouring rain on the brick outside

But I am dry, and you still don’t
Understand why I had to go.

This is not a letter
Of goodbye.