Fighting Reality

Speed Bumps & Sparkly Rocks

For Natalie, because I read the letters again and needed a way to stop crying.

I came across the letters

That we used to write

While sitting beneath a pine tree on a bed

Of needles and moss. It was ours

That not-so-secret rock with a mink

(Or a ferret)

And poetry tumbling across our lips

Even in silence

We interrupt and go on and think back

Once and a while I reflect, I wonder

"Does she know how much I wish

I was more like her?"

To be so witty and slim, with a way of reflecting

Every distasteful comment that came 

Your way with a remark of how

Dimwitted people were sometimes.

I remember that walk home from ballet

All those years ago, wearing our

Tights and leotards under our clothes, slippers carelessly thrown

Deep in our bags.

We decided that if we were objects, you would be

A speed bump.

I would be a sparkly rock,

And I’ve always liked that.

I’ve always liked the way you speak to me,

How you sing and make me sing, too;

Even though I’m terrible.

Although you never believe me,

I’ve always been jealous.

You have no idea how surprised

I was when you said

“I’ve always been

Jealous of you.”

I always thought you were embarrassed of me

When you never introduced me to

Your crazy friends.

It was a terrible feeling,

But even when you infuriate me

I can never stay mad for long.

I still have the green fire

In my jewellery box,

I don’t know why.

I still have nightmares of

The eyes you drew.

I still cry because

I know you don’t know

How much I care about you.

Sparkly rocks and speed bumps

Can be friends after all, huh?