For Jimmy B.

I wonder
If you ever think of me,
Of the childhood we shared,
Of the long sunny days we spent
In innocent pursuit of childish things.
We were pirates
And cowboys
And jungle explorers;
We rode our bikes
To far off places,
And caught tadpoles
And minnows
At the community pond.
Do you remember that day
On the football bleachers
When we were 9 and 10
And you told me you loved me?
I'm sorry I ran away.
If I had realized then
What a special boy you were,
I...
I would still run away,
For I carry old scars
No child should carry;
But you are a bright memory
In a difficult, lonely life.
I hope you are happy
And have as many fond memories of me
As I have of you.