I remember when we knew Paradise,

the fantasies that thrived

in swingsets and sandboxes

and the creek that rushed

through the backyard.



Once trickles could be waterfalls

in our youthful eyes, so innocent.

We sang and danced to cheesy

pop songs because we believed

they were timeless,

just like us.

 

I remember watching Paradise dismantled, 

the wooden bars that once supported

our friendship thrown

into a wood chipper.



The ice cream trucks drove away

and moving trucks took 

their place, sweeping away

our friends so now

we are the last two left.



I remember sitting in the remnants

of Paradise, your backyard,

now covered with a white tent

and folding chairs. I said “Hello”

to you, my former BFF,

then watched you walk away

to chat with others.



In the photo album of your life

I saw our smiles with lost teeth,

your arm around me

forever, in a world 

that’s long since disappeared.



The wind blew by my face,

the final whisper

of a dying friendship.