Behind the buttercups
Behind the buttercup bramble
The pines stood tall and straight
The crunch of cones underfoot
Yellow puffs of pollen in the spring
We climbed the trees sticky handed
Fragrant sap gummed bark and sweat
Climbed with fierce determination
Til we could see over our row houses
Til the super cut the lower branches
Then we climbed each other
Reached higher heights still
Hands free swaying in the breeze
How to Fall in Love
I. Pluck
There were signs, maybe
It’s easier if you don’t believe
The countless times I gently
Twisted the stem of a red delicious
Slowly reciting the alphabet
Then tugged at the right letter
Daisies were scarce
Weeds abundant
Dandelion petals plucked
Or pulled in impatient clumps
She loves me, he loves me not
He loves me, she loves me not
Care must be taken where to begin
Withholding love or granting it
II. The First Kiss
We’d held hands all week
Teased secrets from the city
Talked about all the ways
We’d conquer the world
You were a tourist
I was falling in lust
You with your tight shirts
Every accidental touch electric
I perched on the railing at the top of the CN Tower
Mouth full of mint & self consciousness
My gut clenched when you bounced on the glass floor
You laughed & dragged me over
Pulled me by my belt loops
Pressed your body to mine
You tasted like coke syrup
& I had no idea where to put my hands
III. Limitless
Like the rest of our generation
We have piercings & tattoos
My blue hair sets off your eyes
Clear skies & an infinite future
Jetpacks on the horizon