melted

an obsession with doctor pepper

the bubbles fascinate you, but i stick to seltzer as you sip another glass of sugarsweet.

i guess i understand why i'm considered boring, why i am the innocence, the understated, sitting upright on the swingset as your hair brushes against the wood chips.

you are older yet i feel decades heavier than you, you who walks for the night air and the musk of freshly rained rain, spreading almond butter on graham crackers and giggling as the crumbs flutter to the floor.

i would have used a plate.

we are night and afternoon, for you are not day but only the blazing sun and the warm snuggling up against my shoulders as my tan shows windows on my skin yet to be like you, i cut my bangs at one in the morning, and you smiled, beaming positivity vibes and buzzing rock and roll.

teach me the ways of the world, how to fear the unknown but brave it anyway, how to smile and light up a room, how to ask the subway guy why he wears a visor when he so obviously lacks any source of sunlight, how to dye my hair blonde and enthuse about the smell of oregano.

i'll learn how to be a child someday.