memories
float in unbidden
like the one just now
of when we’d lie on the couch, together
feet to head and head to feet
and you’d read to me from White Dragons
I loved it most
when the words made you cry
because they touched your heart so deeply
you tried to pull off
acting like a tough guy
but all of us who knew you well
knew you were a harmless little fuzzball
all along
how is it possible
that I will never hear you read aloud
while rubbing my tired feet
ever again
If I close my eyes
I can hear you, still
if I try really hard
I can feel your strong hands
kneading out the knots
in my soles
in my soul
the bookmark
is in the book, still
where you left it, last
where it will remain
forever, now
lying on my bookshelf
with the trilogy
that you pulled out from your leather jacket
on our very first date
as a gift, for me
I knew in that first moment
you were definitely something
and you never
proved
me wrong
