I turn my head to gaze at the stars above me
and I am transported to a place where I know that people love me
the smell of peppermint makes my chest feel warm
as it expands to fit all the memories that books cannot hold
I exhale all the air my lungs can wrap around just to see a single blue rose
vibrantly standing all alone by a blood-stained stop sign
the white snow that surrounds it causes my eyes to sting
Much too bright for a silent sliding white tundra
My ears shiver pleasantly as I place each boot into the crunchy snow
After a few blocks I realize I forgot who I used to be
I think I smell honeysuckle but know I must be mistaken
But my mind believes as much as my senses and I find myself
on a mile-long driveway walking past vine after vine
of sweet summery honeysuckle with blackberry bushes
peppered in between, filling the gaps like honey
I wish I could remember the way people smell
memories make my stomach ache with nostalgia
I know I am but a season and I have no control
but when the wind blows in my face I feel like I’m a part of something
Wrap me in blankets made of sage and mint, place me on a pile of fresh mulch
let me remember who I am- and then- I can find a place for you in my garden
and maybe one day we can remember places and people,
that light fires in our chests that will burn out as the seasons’ change, together