it was a

split

second

decision

you made on that

playground bench.

Two roads diverged.

You came up to me

cards in your hand

‘cus that’s what all

the kids had

long ago.

Except I

I

didn’t have any

(I didn’t have any friends either).

You sat 'cross from me

shuffling the cards

on the uneven

crooked

wood.

I asked you how

how did you get so many?

(I didn’t ask you why you chose to sit with me, but I’m sure it was implied).

You laughed

vividly

grinning

(you never told me).

The morning was sticky

wet

humid;

a spring morning.

No one was on the playground that day.

I told you of my desire

my longing for acceptance.

To my surprise

you held up three cards

and told me to pick one.

When I did, you told me it was mine.

I still have it

though faded

and bent.

You have long left my life

but what you left me

is more priceless

than gold.