We grew up
in scraped knees and secret codes,
treehouse kingdoms
and sidewalk dreams,
back when the world was small
but our laughter filled it whole.
You knew me
before I had a name for sadness,
before the world asked us
to grow quiet and careful.
Back when joy was loud,
and we were louder.
We traded candy,
secrets,
and promises sealed with pinky fingers.
We thought forever
meant every day.
And maybe, in some way,
it did.
Even now,
with years stretched between us
like summer dusk over empty fields,
I still carry you—
in memories that smell like rain
and sound like our old songs.
No matter where we go,
you are my beginning.
And I will always
be a part of yours.