Mornings on the cape were like something out of an escapist fantasy. At dawn, we ruled the beach like the kings we aspired to be but would pretend we knew nothing about. The same kids who couldn’t consistently make it to first period algebra on time a month ago, were now awake before the sun, afraid to waste even one sweet moment of summer because we all knew it would too soon come to an end.

I...

There will come a time

when you find

that you don’t need me

as much as you used to—

when you do not need a pillow

while watching Saturday night’s comedy

on Sunday morning,

or a reminder

to wear your jacket in the cold.

But when you no longer need a French tutor

or onion chopper

or counselor

or chauffeur,

and all you need is a friend…

Just know I can be that too;

I would be anything for you....