Seasons

I imagined us autumn.

Hands blended like orange and red skies.

Pumpkins plump like Cinderella’s carriage.

Your laugh a sound more satisfying than leaves crunching under boots.

Who could remember that horrible heat 

when you’re angled at a perfect degree?

But seasons end.

It didn't matter the snow.

I’d blame those goosebumps on your presence.

I was so busy savoring our sweet halloween

that I didn’t even notice the snow melt like wicked witches. 

How did I miss the cherry blossoms blossom into Valentine hues?

I suppose I ignored the heat.

I blasted the AC without blinking.

I used the sun as soap without thinking.

I was oblivious to our deadline.

Unaware of our expiration date.

It never occurred to me that our paths might separate.

You going this way 

and I going that way.

Memories between us thinner than ice.

I gave love more power than she could handle.

I've put an expectation on her that she simply couldn’t reach.

It will never be autumn forever.

Our hands will unclench

and that fresh air on our palms will tell us

You held on too tight.

We will reach for each other but be too far.

Fingertips brushing the wind like hands combing wet hair.

You look so blurry that I have to remember where your eyes go.

That your lips did this and not that.

And your nose was here and not there.

That your smile was bright and not dim.

I'll remember you like a painting.

No, a sculpture that looked just like this.

I know you're not what I remember,

neither am I.

When we catch up and have the awkwardness of those

who have so much 

yet so little

to say to those who are so familiar

yet nearly unrecognizable,

I suppose we'll speak of the weather

as people who don't know each other do.

I hear it's gonna snow tomorrow.