He has
Light blue braces
And an amazingly cute smile

But she

She has
Dark blue braces
And the most beautiful smile
That would
Immediately
Make me happy
Regardless
Of how I felt
Before

I sit on the bus
Barely talking in this crowded space
Which is odd—
We used to ride together and talk.

I walk down the stairs
After I enter the school
Which is odd—
We used to race up the steps every day.

I go to Spanish class
Everyone’s quiet and working
Which is odd—
You used to always make a ruckus.

I find my way through the halls
Lost and confused
Which is odd—
I used to just follow you to every class.

I end my day finally
Still thinking about our memories
Which is odd—
They never used to be just memories.

Perhaps a simple hi can spark a friendship
Or even being paired for a project
Maybe just cracking a joke can too
Or relating over similar interests you hold
But sometimes the most important friends
Are the ones who just show up in your life
With no memory of how you met them
Just a friend who has been there
With no introductions or relations
Just there
And stayed there

If I hid my chest away
Under baggy clothes and sweaters
And changed my name completely
To three whole different letters
Would you love me just as sweetly?
Or should I keep my love in tethers
Hiding everything behind
These baggy clothes and sweaters

Still I stand as I watch you fly
Up, up, and away you go
You’re leaving me behind, you know?
But all I can do is watch
Watch as you distance yourself
Watch as you chase your dreams
Watch as you slowly slip from my grasp
And despite all this
I smile
I wish you well
I stand and watch
And I hope to remember
The platonic love and hate we shared
As brother and sister.