IX

late night diner tripsthat end with full bellies and big smiles
& hundreds of adventures
captured within a thousand photographs

drama, crying, and tragedy
come with eighteen shoulders to lean on
giggles, hugging, and inside jokes
feature nine lit-up faces

i remember singing at the top of our lungs
in your moms old car down the highway
care-free
taking it all in
because we’ll never be this young again

16, 17, and 18 came and went
graduation caps were thrown
and stuffed minivans drove in nine different directions

the ring of a text
the impromptu visit
bring us back to our roots

but when we have to be apart
just know eight pieces of my heart are missing
counting down the days
til I am whole again