Recess

Sprinting to the back
of the playground, where
there was nothing
but grass and weeds and
a friend’s mom, who
would sneak us treats
through the chain-link fence.

Out in the field,
we’d pick bright yellow dandelions,
make flower crowns,
stain our jeans.

My eyes watered, and my nose
ran, but I couldn’t have cared less.
I’ve never been good at resisting
what’s not good for me.
Doesn’t that sound familiar?

I shove myself to the side,
in favor of reaching out to stroke your
delicate petals.

Squeezing my eyes shut,
I wish I could remember what I longed for
every time your seeds began to
show and your petals turned to fluff.

Recess

Now,
afraid to exhale,
I know that with
one
wrong
breath,
it’s over.