Easy Remembering

As simple as sitting on the curb
when your knees need barely bend
pulling them into you
When Summer was your ally
as simple as friends
coming by to share the wind.

Winter was as cool
as the green and red museums
flashing like candy wrappers
catching all the sun
your boots secured tightly
still your toes
pink with chill

Simple as the warmest place
beneath your sticker starlight ceiling
wrapped in cotton, snug as a bug.

Your town was a giant map
your streets a maze to claim
simple as the balancing act
victory on a bicycle
slow removal of your hands
like full emerging into cold water
chanting polo as you swam.

Simple as the very first flutter
light grazing up your forearm
your heart bounces and rattles
like it is loose in your chest

Swings were your pair of wings
slides your fued with gravity
simple as a bandaid healing
then up again to run and tumble.
Sitting on the curb mid-Summer
catching sprinkles on your tongue.

Kelly Curiel
June 18, 2008