——
4/24/13
the first time i saw her, my heart fluttered.
two days later, she was back, sitting against the somber subway seat.
i couldn't breathe.
"you illuminate this caliginous world."
"this is just the SEPTA."
"hmm, how tragic, i would love to have been sitting in Italy right now."
"very tragic indeed, i hear Japan is beautiful this time of year."
"i believe it is beautiful all 365 days."
i look at her and she blushes; i'm not talking about japan.
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5/2/13
"do you want to know what i am doing today?"
"i would love to know."
"today, i am giving out a rose to every human who a.) needs it or b.) deserves it."
"interesting, how do you decide on your recipients?"
"i have a list, i have 24 flowers for 24 people whom i have encountered throughout my 17 years of living here."
i hold one out.
she takes it.
"do you think i need it or deserve it?"
her eyes are bloodshot, her body clad in wrinkles, her hair untamed; beauty.
"both."
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5/5/13
today there are no empty seats, i stand.
she looks up and waves, an exchanging of words are not necessary in every instance.
I feel my right earbud being tugged gently.
"country?"
her left eyebrow is raised and hints of disgust trace her features.
"today it is country, yesterday was indie, who knows what tomorrow's song will be?"
"i don't know your name."
"i don't know you."
we stare, topaz and emeralds have never shined so bright.
"do something about it."
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5/8/13
"what are you doing today?"
"today, nothing in particular."
"oh." "hm."
"would you accompany me around this lively city?"
"i would love to."
we dance through fountains
sway to the beat of the R&B musicians playing on the pavement
digest greasy slabs of pizza
"did you enjoy yourself today?"
the sun is setting
painting the sky a carnation pink
"i had a lovely time, thank you."
"can we do this again?"
i take her hand
she stares down, thinking
"yes."
she entwines her fingers in mine
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6/17/13
"we are committing a criminal offense."
"yes."
she passes me the black can
"if this is what our society considers a criminal offense,"
her fingers gently trace over the image
i look at her, waiting
"screw it."
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8/30/13
"will this last?"
she whispers as i run my fingers through her locks of hair as we stare into a starless night.
"according to the world no. we are immature and naive. the stars are not shining upon us."
"stars are dead anyway."
moments of silence stretch amongst us.
"but what's your answer?"
"of course." i lie.
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4/24/18
the train rumbles and streaks of gray fly past the windows.
i lean my head against the window, listening to the rain softly hit the glass
"i wonder how japan is right now."
the doors open and more people pile in from the cold outside.
wind whips my face as i step out
"definitely beautiful."
