Remember, Young, how we
Got up before the sun
Took the train to the middle
Of Market Street found the
Tallest metal box to perch upon
You in front, me behind
In our windbreakers bracing
Against the cold my arms
Wrapped around?
We had the “best seat in the house”
The inside of my arm “accidentally”
Grazed your breast and we
Giggled and shivered
Were underdressed
But we saw the parade
From beginning to end
Rainbow flags dragqueens
Dancing and the peacock proud
Parents of PFLAG
We went back to your flat
After, sat on hardwood
Floors huddled over
Steaming bowls
Of the seaweed soup you made me
We were happy then
It was the dawn of our
Togetherness wet with wonder
When everything was clear
The air was crisp with dew
You liked me and I liked you
It was before all the confusion
The seasaw of indecision
The TV talking the late night stalking
It was before the bad man
Did that bad thing to you
Before the suicide attempt
The deathknell diagnosis
The medications
Before we knew
You were so beautiful then
So brilliant
We laughed and we laughed and we laughed
And you threw your head back
Squeezed your eyes flat
And talked about your future
Like it was a fact
Young song
Beautiful and brief young song
I have been crying for you
Ever since
