Blue and White Stripes

November 11th,

I entered the boutique downtown,

searching for a forever friend.

I scoured all the racks,

red,

mustard,

lavender.

Then I saw him,

Blue, 

slightly faded

with white stripes,

moderately uneven.

I had $5 with me that day,

2 quarters and a dime came out with me.

The rest was traded in for Him.

I still wear that sweater.

I have read books in that sweater,

cried when Johnny died.

I have listened to music in that sweater,

did a flip from my bed on the downbeat.

I have had fun in that sweater,

at the trampoline park 40 minutes away.

I am living in this sweater.

From the time I turned 10,

to this day.

Even though I am no longer a chubby, childish

Baby,

I still love my sweater.

The boutique is closed now,

But that's okay.

In its place stands a different boutique,

Mon Ami

My Friend.

I have planned a trip to go there with Him.

This Saturday after lunch.

To find another sweater.

Who will hang next to Him.