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Promises to a Bitter Child

Hey y'all,

I wrote this one last year, but am feeling angsty enough to post it. Here's to the valleys we tumble into before we climb mountains.


Promises to a Bitter Child

I refuse to believe that I will never see you again.

I should forget the words that ring in my ears,

Remember that they were lies masked in a vibrant life

But still I

Hear you calling from the treetops and clouds and the

Heavy, wet raindrops that cling to my skin.

Feel you gaze at me from roads and crosswalks

And juicy apples. 

I search for you, a distraught lunatic, though

You are beyond the reach of my hand.


We scampered down endless roads and let the 

Wind carry away our giggles

You threw me over a shoulder, spun me around

We mocked the Sun and the Moon for not being

As happy as us.

You slowed at each crosswalk, zipping guiltily into

Responsibility to hold my hand protectively.


I should forgive you but I remember 

You promised laughingly when I asked, 

Sure, you would be there for me, forever and always,  

Rolled your eyes

Returned to dutifully chopping bright red apples for me.

Reached town to tousle my hair and remind me to

Use a bowl. Wash my hands before I ate.

Ridiculous question, you must have thought. 

I was a ridiculous child. But you answered.


Now your laughter echoes 

Chasing me down winding sidewalks

Marching me down streets with my sticky hand in yours.

Haunting, the memory of you slicing crisp apples

Promising me a lie you thought I would forget.

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