You’ve always called out Char, 
but all I’ve ever managed is 
the full length of your name, 
both syllables bouncing off 
my tongue before I even think 
about what I’m going to say next. 

Remember last spring 
when we drove to the 
pebble beach and 
waited for the stars?

And the frogs serenaded us with 
their deep, lovely songs? And we 
sat on the cool rocks? And we 
breathed in the heavy & sweet 
scent of lilacs & tall grass? 

And how you’re 
the only person 
I can ever explain 
anything to, even 
though I’ve never 
been able to shorten 
your name down to 
a single syllable?