there are times
I wish phones
never existed
so people that
stepped out of my life
weren't inches
from my
fingertips

reckless
had Tony
extinguish a cigarette
on my flesh
left shoulder blade
took the burn
but it was painless
in turn
I'll have a mark
I cannot forget
to remind me
I wasn't always
youthless

raindrops fell
as if they knew
I wanted to melt
be a muddy puddle
then evaporate
after a couple days
become a cloud
and
drift away

rain fell while we swam
hurriedly packing our things
I wrapped you in a towel
then ran down
down
to your house
dried your hair
played with Niki and Skipper
waiting for the turkey
had a drink with your mom and dad
then turned to you
arms wide, heart sad
you fell into my hug
looked up
I woke
up
.
.
.

a porcelain figurine
dressed in green
and brimmed hat
umbrella held fast
tip tucked into fresh grass
would sing out a tune

Oh Danny boy, the pipes
the pipes are calling
From glen to glen
and down the
mountain
side.

I watched as you slowly fell into
the bedroom with another girl
and guy
a couple beers later you appeared
they left, you looked for your *******
and boots
I found them for you
then, as you closed the screen door,
I chimed out,
"See ya"
and you took a step back
from around the corner
with a genuine smile
waved and replied,
"See you too"
in that moment
I saw
the
real
you