I still see you in the hallways

and envision the youthful sparkle

that accompanied your blue eyes.

Remember the little stories 

that our imaginations dreamed up.

Our tiny pinkies interlocked

with the serious promise

 our friendship would last forever

Once in a fit of giggles

we collapsed on the green grass

gasping for air

contentment tickling our toes.

That innocence that I still 

wear as a cloak 

you discarded 

with frightening vigor.

We traded crayon colors

shared our crushes

took dance classes together

but high school dealt us a harsh

rocky canyon where time

began the erosion of friendship

we found different freedoms in high school

followed different approaches to life

met different friends

now your icy gaze slides past me

and your laugh echoes differently

and from afar I hope 

you still love yourself.

I used to know you.  We were best friends once.