a love letter to the summer of 2011

how could I forget

my girl with the lipsmacker smile.

 

back then we were so close

whispering secrets in the dark of a basement sleepover

and hiding from our parents when they came to take us home

 

we left our bikes on the curb

and using my brother's pocket knife

carved the names of boys we liked

into the underbelly of the playground slide

 

I never thought those little crushes would eclipse you and I

 

that next august we would pass without saying a word--

in such a rush to grow up

 

we should have stayed thirteen for a little bit longer

your hand held in mine

climbing trees and skinning knees

together.

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