I Remember

I remember…

Phillies’ games on school afternoons
the smell of popcorn at my first movie
a time when tapes were king
long walks up and down South Street
paddle boating in Baltimore
asking Kareema Perkins to go steady
wishing for rain in summer
dreaming of sheep in order to sleep
blushing but no one noticing it
finding a hidden nook for reading
crashing my sister’s slumber parties
climbing in my bedroom window
getting snowed in for more than one day
my first trip to New York City
the smell of flowers in spring
wearing my first bowtie
getting stood up for a date
watching Beverly Hills 90210
finding lucky pennies on the sidewalk
leaving umbrellas on the bus
collecting stamps like they were air
dancing by myself in my bedroom
buying a giant stuffed reindeer
my mother drying my tears
reading Pride and Prejudice
first understanding the meaning of love
wanting to completely disappear
my first kiss
wishing I could grow up faster
realizing life is short enough
the first short story I ever wrote
relying on myself for happiness
making mixed tapes for acquaintances
bowling with my uncle
finding time to write
fiercely missing my dad

I remember everything
And sometimes I wish I didn’t.

Sam