She was never one for
close contact
A hug
was just not something
to give away easily

We grew up together
for the past 16 years
I've been near her through
tears of a fallen friend
The end of high school
and meaningless adventures

We've always said goodbye
A simple wave
with a goofy grin  
Till the day my time there
came to an end

I moved away
far away
to a place she couldn't reach
And the last time I saw her she
offered me a comforting hug

As if I was going to
the trenches of a great war
It was strange
It was odd
It felt like no hug I felt
before

It was real
It was powerful
I never wanted to both
feel and not feel
a hug like that again

She was my secret crush
She would always be my
friend