Honest opinions and constructive criticism

True friends, family you can count on

Meaningful apologies, embarrassing stories, and silly little memories

Getting ready for the holidays,

Getting ready to go out by dressing up fancy

Excitement and anticipation

Moonlight and the changing of the seasons

Sand meeting the water of your favorite ocean

Hugs, finding peace of mind, comfort food, devotion

The smell of the sky before clouds flood the streets in torrents

The smell of freshly cut grass and

The smell of old books followed by the crinkling of their pages

Smoke from a warm fire lingering on your skin, and in your hair

Until taking a nice long shower

Reuniting with someone you haven’t seen in forever,

Walking close with your hand gently brushing against another’s

Rainbows and butterflies,

Road trips and tan lines,

Romance and adventure

Legs intertwined

Bracelets and other objects of remembrance

Coral, puppies, dark chocolate,

The seven wonders of the world and matching suitcases laying in a row

We were living out of time

Compliments and staying up dancing to music

Lazy sundays, fireworks, curiosity,

Snow falling while you’re baking cookies

And singing way too loudly

Standing ovations, the color purple, and old typewriters

The feeling of belonging; the sense of it

The high you get from winning; from running, from jumping

From a swing or jumping into a huge pile of crisp leaves

Our sun hasn’t changed but other stars die out every day

Cuddling, writing, oversized hoodies,

Nostalgia, hope, glaciers, dolphins, and pens with good ink

Cacti and cool drinks,

Being alive with every bone in your body,

Every crack in your fortified soul

You don’t know

What you don’t know

Until you’re in the middle of it