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.
