when you can't speak

Dear bench,
Your arms are now crusted with faded blue paint
that chips and flakes to the floor
as I trace my fingers over
Your legs bleed rust onto the pavement below
Your splintered body is ridden with crudley carved hearts that house
some boy’s initials plus mine
What was his name?
Cole? Cody? Corbin?
I hardly recall him but, oh, how I remember you.

I remember how your porous wood absorbed the rain
leaving you soggy and unwelcoming.
I think that boy placed his jacket over you
so that I could have a seat
and you and I would be dry

I remember when he and I sat with you
as I told his a story that I’d never told anyone
You listened patiently as we wisperd sullen secrets
that now you soley keep

Do you remember
how his eyes became blue slices of moon
and his coffe stain freckled pulled together around his nose
as he laughed at my joke that wasnt all too funny
but funny enough to make him spill his drink
Across your batterd body
You didn’t care
That stain is still there.

Do you remember the day you soaked up our tears
leaving you soggy and unwelcoming
and you cradled me as I told him goodbye
Do you remeber what he did after I left
I wish I did.
He was just another boy I hardly even recall
but, oh, how I remember you.