a poem in my pocket

As children of light and of the day, we do not belong to darkness.

____________

1 Thessalonians 5:5 paraphrase

dear eddie,

’twas so long ago when

we were “just kids” and

my eyelashes must have

flirted above the chitchat

in the hallway of high school

you phoned to ask me to the

banquet (no dances then)

but said you’d meet me there

(because neither of us drove yet)

my face flushed, heart fluttered

i’d already said “yes” when my

mother, frowning, observed: “if

this is a date, he should pick you

up properly, with parental escort.”

“but we’re just friends,” i insisted

and took my imagination shopping

to purchase a flowery maxi dress

for the freshman/sophomore event

when i arrived, i stood by your side

both feeling awkward until we each

turned to our same-gendered friends

and found separate places at tables

decorated with no risk or obligation

i learned i should listen to my

mother’s advice and i understand

that you are still single, edwin, but

please know that after all these years,

i do accept your unspoken apology.