She told me 'no.'
Stick stuck between two fingers,
Lips pursed, exhaling smoke
My words traced their way up the arms of trees,
Watching, while you stared through me
Leaves breathing waste from our open mouths
Smoke & carbon changed then spit right back out
And the trees wore my words like war medals,
Won from all the years withstanding the wind
While the birds deserted their posts,
The branches held strong, steadfast with hope.
I touched the rubber toe of my canvas shoe
Just across the crack in the sidewalk
Cement slabs heavy with the weight
Of all those who'd walked upon them
And we were smaller, then, beneath that moon
I was smaller beneath your gaze
When your two eyes finally slid into focus
Orbs themselves, and me the man in both moons,
My face reflected in each one
You moved your left foot
Above a fallen twig
You leaned down,
And SNAP!
A harsh crack
You smiled and I did my best to smile back.