Third-Grade Girlfriend

Where the trail of tears began . . .


THE REST OF IT GOES HERE
Third-Grade Girlfriend
Holding hands was foreplay for us,
And the pendulum of our bodies on the swingset,
With you on my lap, face to face, our fucking.
In that warm childhood wind, I courted you
With dandelions and clover and stuttered words.
You were the cartoon princess I'm still in love with,
First light flicked in the addictive brain, first link
Of the chain of drink and losing you in every face.
You became so beautiful the boys
Would scribble you notes in code, and you'd flip
Your braids of gold, giving back a stern womanly look.
Their attentions never made me jealous,
For I considered our exchange of colored birthday
Cards our wedding vows, and though you flew
Away to a place of no goodbyes, I still have mine:
Nine crayon candles on a cake, and love Laura.