our friends slap their bare feet in the dirt and pebble puddles down the
little alley off E.27 next to the garage with the vines like curtains
unveiling a pink cat’s face spray painted this water falling keeps
us huddled like parkas in winter I told myself we wouldn’t be
here again we’re too close to this brick star shaped structure we made for
the fire our shoelaces practically poking the embers so i nod
toward the house we should head back now before going
back to the keg i told myself i’d just be tipsy this time and
now Lauryn Hill’s coddling us you cradle my knuckles your thumb plucks
my spine for a second now that hand’s in my back side right pocket i move
some hair from my nose and you pull at my fingertips your thumb circles
slowly in my palm nudging your head to my ear you don’t really move
your body any which way do you i do my best to not sway back
and forth in complete and utter warmth my god i wish again and again
i looked up from the fire into both your eyes; said something real
simple like i’m so glad to just stand here with you
for a.t.