almost autumn

I can almost imagine it's autumn.

It's after lunch time and I'm sitting

in the back of my last college lecture of the day.

A lifeless blue chair that has an arm

wrapped around in the form of a desk

is the only thing separating me from the

cold concrete wall. There's a window right

behind me but the blinds are closed.

If I close my eyes,

I can imagine it's autumn

with the leaves falling to the ground behind me.

A train horn sounds in the distance--

the same train that went right past my

childhood home. I wonder when the

last time I jumped in a leaf pile was or

dragged the massive blue tarp to the burn pile.

I wonder when the last time I ran

through my backyard was. I wonder

when the last time I ate a chocolate chip

Eggo waffle was. I can't do things anymore--

they remind me of you.

I can almost imagine it's autumn.

But autumn will never be the same

as it was when you were here.