Memory

(theme: love)

I remember
the post finals December morning
when I was about to have you put
my comfy, maroon turtleneck in suitcase.

I remember
the way your long,
well-kept fingers held the material
and how casually you told me
“I would mind having that while you were gone.”

I remember
knowing from the pitch of your voice
that the request wasn’t so casual
after all.

I remember
trading that keep me
warm in blizzards shirt
for enough kisses
to last me until New Year’s Day,
when I’d receive a fresh supply
and it would be your birthday.