I’m still stuck on days
creased amongst the memories,
papier mâche moments of
old newspaper headlines
when we started
overlapping when we ended.

I didn’t know you were coming
that quiet afternoon
I didn’t even consider it
after night rose
and costumes hid my insecurities
and made me bold

Your hand on my stomach
a new feeling of potential
pressed against my skin
and I knew love wouldn’t hurt so much
it could even heal.

9 years later
the sky is grey
the leaves are gold
we’re just friends
and there’s no costume
to hide that knowing look you give me
when you know I’m not okay.