March #14 (Good News Bears!)

I'm glad for you, boy.
You're growing up.
I have known you through
what may have been
the four most awkward years of your life -
because after all,
high school
is pretty fucking awkward
for all of us.

I remember a few summers ago
when we
stayed up all night running up our text bills
talking to each other
in living warm nights.

You asked me out,
and I
had no interest
but you were graceful
even then
maybe used to it?
and took it well.

Now you forge ahead
again
but this time
with more favorable prospects
and your usual cynical mood
has been blown away to reveal
what you used to be,

the hopeful, happy,
funny, untainted boy
that I value.

Let hope thrive, boy. Let it feed you.