welcome back, chicago.
in all your windy glory.
dark harsh stares
and hunched shoulders.
i was late this morning,
our eyes connected once.
i scoped you out and found land.
but like an island you're surrounded
and a small fish can't go too far
without hope of hurting itself.
i didn't get a chance to say hello.
you made a windy exit,
but my eyes followed you,
yes, my eyes followed you.
welcome back, chicago.

i make a wish to hope
you are safe and sound
in chicago.
i make a wish to hope
you had a good time
in chicago.
i make a wish to hope
you maybe thought of me
in chicago.
i make a wish to hope
you and me, something--
nevermind--chicago.

i may be smiles
and laughs
in the morning and
through the afternoon
but as day stretches into night
i stretch along with it.
and by the time the sun
finally disappears
under the horizonal blanket
i lie in bed awake
and dark.

i wished on 11:11 today
i haven't in a while,
i forget to catch it
in the small numbers
that light up clocks
or the hands that align.
i wished for happiness,
i wished for our happiness
as friends, joking and sitting together
like we've had beforehand.

i'm starting to see you
in every young man,
everywhere.
and each time
it hurts me
just a little bit more.
because i catch myself staring,
at young men who weren't you.
so far three days with no words,
has me seeing you everywhere.