July, 1999

I remember squinting 

On the front porch in summer,

The bangles on your wrist clattering with your energy

As you illustrated your words with your hands.

Your yellow tank top hurt my eyes and I loved it.

I remember the air

Was so clean and so satisfying

That my lungs felt alive,

Like a hive of bees, buzzing with bright

Boundless determination.

I remember the cool,

Sweet tingle of tea on my tongue,

As we rocked on a splintering swing,

Painted egg-shell yellow some decades ago,

And talked about the weather like it were a life-source.

I remember when we were we,

And all we needed was a sunny day and sweet tea

To feel like we were invincible.