Mermaids and other things I miss about you

The science teacher showed your writing

as an example in class today

and even though

he cut off the name, I knew

it was you.

The way you make your y's and f's

hasn't changed

since third grade

since us.

I know every letter in the alphabet of you

from secret messages

we sent each other.

I can picture you writing

in your careful way

how every letter is perfect

neat and timid just like

you.

Later,

I told you that I thought

your science writing was really good,

I didn't say all the things I thought

when I saw it

about mermaids that you drew and cut out

and sent to me

about the song we wrote

(mostly you) 

for the talent show

about the birthday presents you used to give

the best ever.

Maybe I don't get to care

because we're not really friends

anymore

but when I see you in the halls

I think about your neat-timid letters

and mermaids

and poetry

and home-made bread

and how I miss you.