For Kellee

In memory of a dear childhood friend.

It was a golden afternoon
Like so many, but on this one
Into the classroom walked bright you,
Trailing California sun.

I don’t remember much of when
We were so young and full of flame
But often I replay again
Memories filed under your name,

Because, and why, I’ve never known
Somehow they’ve stayed much clearer than
Before you, when I felt more alone
And after you, would not again.

I try to parse out day from day
Each funny moment in our past
But can’t write about you this way
Because the number is so vast.

How can I honor you with such
Mere words in just the way I should,
But how to not at least this much?
You thought my poetry was good.

You seemed like all that I was not,
And so much I aspired to.
I kept it an unspoken thought,
But gods, did I look up to you.

And now, I guess whenever I
Think on those golden afternoons
I’ll tilt my head up to the sky
That’s brighter now because of you.

Thank you, Kelleelee, for everything.