after school

we are all just walking each other home

so take me by the hand

let my fingers brace with yours,

palm to palm (as if to say in holy palmer’s kiss)

and let us wander down the sidewalk

let us meander across the grass; shall we

detour through the garden? Anything, anywhere—

anything to prolong this walk with you.

I know that the destination is the same, and

that we shall, of course, come home together,

but still I wish to walk, just a little while longer,

with your hand held tight to mine.