An Ode to Reflecting

As the incandescent light is reflected on the rippling water, I am swarmed by blissful memories of us.

“Nothing is more beautiful than the stars,” I say.

You reply, but not with the expected answer. 

That is what I liked about you.

You pointed to the Big Dipper and called it the Dipper. 

It gave me hope that I could have a longer conversation with you about the fact that there are two Dippers.

And I did. We did. 

It felt like the world revolved around us, just for an extended moment.

I wished you didn’t have to drive me home at 11:00. 

But you did. 

And the night had to end. 

And I hugged you at the door with intention. 

The night should’ve been longer.

Your eyes were like nothing I’d ever seen. 

You told me mine were pretty. 

I like it when people do that, although it is common.

Because they are pretty. 

As the rays of sunlight are refracting off of my nuanced iris, my pupils shrink into the size of nothing.

I remember when they would grow bigger than the whole round Earth because of my adoration for you

That was nice,

And it was real;

It was true.

As the blue rain taps lightly on my open dorm window, 

I am reminded of the bits of happiness you provided me with—

And it makes me realize that it was all worth it. 

Every misty memory,

And every quiet giggle we shared,

All of the longing looks we gave each other across the happy room filled with people

When we just wanted to be alone

And all you wanted to do was twirl my tangled hair,

And all I wanted to do was scratch your balmy back,

Although that is gone now—

I know it all happened for a reason.

Now, when a new light shines on my freckled iris

I am able to see clearly and really appreciate

Just what you have given me

All that you have blessed me with

The idea that I have a memory to reflect on

When the rippled water

And the incandescent sunlight

Are both right under my nose

It is a beautiful thing.