your goose pimple legs
the only thing between
sleeping grass and dancing stars

sixteen
you're handed
the keys

the soft yarn
a caress from a friend
crochet hook weaves

the final kiss of the sun
waves lapping the shore
darkness

giggling
illuminated by
4th of july sparklers

paint and dirt
on old white rubber soles
        I can’t scrub away the past

my neck hurts—
he's really tall
I'll never stop looking up

the last time
she spends quarters
on gumballs

grandma in the kitchen
smooth jazz fills the room
accompanied by memories

his lips brushed away
two hearts strained over fair moons
he kissed her soft

two dogs small and big
best friends with a small owner
too big for the bed

summer night at the carnival
lights reflected in widened eyes
she stands on pointed toes

freckles on your nose
constellations in the sky
both a sight to see

people murmur and gaze
at the prosthetic legs
that won freedom for them

walk to class
new year
same me

a winding bike ride
to the lapping waves
to greet the sun

end of classes
cars speed away
solemn days ahead

always waiting
for a new
sunrise

numbers and letters mixed together
an eyebrow raises
welcome to math

driving alone for the first time
hands loosen on the steering wheel
as I skip to the next song