sweet sixteen forever. you would have blushed again, and then owned your age with the quiet rush of your fingertips against my hair. the simple blessing you said i would always have, i want that once again. please.

i stayed long after you were gone, trying so hard to make sure i never forget. long silver hair. the self conscious smile that followed each time you told me i should stay a little longer because you didn't know when i'd visit you next. the lines of your palm, hands i couldn't find the courage to touch once more because this time they would be cold.

its fading away. one of these days i will walk into the spaces we shared and not look for you. i didn't stay long enough.