suggest the guy that ghosted you
probably collects Beanie Babies
Encourage wearing those damn purple shoes
and eating an extra scoop of ice cream (always)
hold memories dear in bookmarked pages
and honesty like a scepter
Send letters with silly doodles—roller derby dogs
and cozy pajamas during a difficult week
Carry extra sunscreen
and pockets full of patience
Agree adult bibs should be fashionable
as you spill curry on your blouse at a fancy restaurant
Love you through your middle school phase
of playing the nose flute and walk arm in arm with you
into your high school reunion
Help dictate difficult texts to your boss
and remind you that you’re a bad bitch
Who insist on road safety because of the one time
you drove backwards with them down the street
to check out a garden
Dress like a suburban dad to make you laugh
on a death anniversary
And push
you to grow
into who you’ve always been
