We sit down in our usual place

Our backs to the wide, old tree

Overlooking our town of 12 years.

The grass tickles the space

Between our toes - shoes discarded.

Our knees drawn up

In a mirrored image

Breathing in the earthy hill

And finding comfort in birdsong

And each other

It’s easy being your friend

To be almost as one

I find myself staring

At your magnificent profile

Your thick hair - the colours shining

From the glistening sun

Shades of walnut, caramel and biscotti

— your favourite biscuit

Your eyes: a darker shade of mocha

How can one person make

Me feel so complete and lucky

Is beyond my comprehension

Then I feel it, the fluttering

In my chest - the fear

Of losing you forever

My jaw feels tight but I push

The words out “Hey…”

And you look in my direction

Look deeply into my eyes -

which are not as grand as yours -

And I say, with a thick cloth in my throat

“When you said you’ll be my friend

Forever”

I swallow, trying to dislodge the fear

“Did you ever mean it?”

“Once, yes. But only once.”

I falter at what you’ve said and you see it, too

So you take my hand, which is just as warm

As the warmth in your eyes and smile,

And you say,

“I only needed to say it once because

It’s a promise I’ll keep forever”