Modest frame houses
Spaced neatly on little blocks
Castles to the proud men who struggled to buy them
The hum of distant mowers, the faint aroma of freshly cut grass
Not aware of registering those senses… the lull of childhood
The taste of koolaid, the tingling excitement of seeing the boy next door
The decadent rush of an innocent kiss
Musical laughter, glowing faces… bright and untarnished by time
Will you be my best friend? Forever?
The rat-tat-tat of a playing card in a bicycle spoke
I’ll race you… and if I win, I’ll stop and wait for you
Sun on my face
Un-harnessed energy, wind in my hair
Feet not touching the pedals
Downhill is a good thing, and there is no end
Hand in hand through a carpet of pine needles
Primitive forts built with small hands
Secrets of childhood sweethearts
Pacts sealed in blood
Will you be my best friend, forever?
The far-away muted sound of mothers calling
Into the twilight
Screen doors banging
The crackling sound of chicken frying
Chrome adorned formica tables and vinyl chairs
Warm kitchens, black and white televisions with rabbit ears
When Daddys always came home
Please, oh please, may my friend spend the night?
Bubble baths, pink bathroom tiles
Cool sheets that smell like sunshine
Attic fans singing a lullabye
Yellow chiffon curtains blowing in the moonlight
Whispers and giggles from room to room by siblings
They told us… “not another peep ”
So I whispered “Now I lay me down to sleep….”
And I did, with no sins to weigh my conscience down
Will you be my best friend, forever?