03.02.05 - 5:33 p.m.

when i watch you now i see what i saw then:
the straight-legged way you shift weight while
playing your guitar, the straining, balancing like a
bird with one foot behind your leg and whispering
the most revealing words with back turned, the
awkward intimacy you share with everyone,
avoiding eye contact except in the most important
circumstances, the tone that lends itself
to secrets even when exchanging forced
pleasantries. our past is full of nicknames,
loveletters, fights fought for months at a time and
lessons learned in torrential downpours, secret pathways
to your apartment, ulterior motives, but every time
i see you i stumble over the way to say
can't we be old friends like i was working up the nerve
to talk to a complete stranger.