Schoolyard Drafts

In early September I said goodbye

To my friends and family and everyone I know

Our jackets, weathered and soaked, sheltered our weary, fidgeting bodies

And your leathered hands kept my pockets warm

October is cold, but your eyes are frigid

You closed the shutters to keep me out like a harsh breeze

I think you’re more than red cheeks and knobby knees

I think you’re everything

Everything to me

I like November most of all

I told you we’d all watch the leaves fall

But winter crept up one day

And all the colors melted like a rusty roof

Your smile stayed pink though, like summer strawberries

The snow settles in December, a thick white carpet

But then the dirt collects and everything is impure

You can see your face in the pond

The riverbank is perfect for snow angels

Two can fit longways near the high rock

January always brings bad news

Carries it in like wet firewood, disappointment evident

You’ll leave come February

And there’ll be nothing I can do

March goes quick, burns out early

I forget about April because you're not there

To fly kites and climb trees

You were always there for me

My pockets are empty, gone are the pretty pebbles you said smelt like stardust

No more room for promise rings and silver ribbons

A teary smile and you were gone

Did you even look back?

You were so much more than eyes like evergreen

And smile so bright and sweet

You were everything

...everything to me