M. Hank

For the first time... I went to the ocean...

I watch the waves moving in and out...

I feel the breeze blowing through my hair and against my skin...

I hear the laughter of the people around me...

We ate a pint of Ben and Jerry's

together

in the back of your mom's car

that's what friends are

for

and then we skied

when the sun set

and the stars rose

and

You vacuum the carpet in the same direction, 
straight lines like ribs, hoping to be noticed, 
hoping someone sees proof of you, 
the ghost of your hands pressed into the fibers. 

As you reach the end of the hallway, you notice someone behind you. They have their hands full, and they appear to be in a good mood. They are six feet away, and there is no one following them.

I know the rules and rights are 

The same:

For boys and girls

And everyone in between,

We are supposed to stand

On the same uneven ground,

Your words, so sweet and so nice
Your words, we would play and scamper like mice.
We would play dinosaurs or horses, and could you believe,
that I would go to the grave of our friendship and grieve.