I remember it all
How you once told me a name
The name of your fictional sub shop
“The place you brunch when you’re following a hunch”
The way your right cheek slowly curled into a grin
But tentatively, as if anchored by tiny hooks
Held by tiny men
Careful not to betray self-satisfaction

How I saw the beginnings of that grin
And decided to eradicate it
Out of pure pettiness
Because I wasn’t in the mood
Because I was having a crummy day, who knows
It’s the only part that remains elusive
But the way your grin faltered and faded
That I can recall, as if it were my first kiss
The way your eyes glazed over, retreated
With the rest of you, away from me
Your refusal to utter another word

Every trip home
I hope to pass by your shop
I promise to recommend it
To every friend, acquaintance and sleuth I know
But I will never sully its walls
Because it’s a place
“For those with more gumption than the rest of the bunch.”
Maybe there’s one more thing
That’s lost to me
Why didn’t I just say that?