Ode to Michelle

Rose to my reflection

Brown eyes grey, faded like floorboards layered with time’s residue

I’d embrace it but for you 

Do you still hear the soft wings of fireflies flapping against a glass jar?

See the stars?

Think of me when it was before we wondered who we are?

Laughter bubbling from the yard yonder, 

Secrets hidden in a locked metal box beyond the fence

But grass rising up to meet us, chins raised to the black night

Toes in grass,

Limbs skinned, knobby knees

We lay beneath the trees

You’re coming back to me

With the memories 

Long term intact

I see you even as yesterday I forget 

Rose to my reflection