She would let me in her dress where I could explore most of her body but not all of it. I could touch her like a greedy child but not like a lover. I forgot appointments and got on planes and things like that.

In the months leading up to my wedding, I was thinking about you all the time. I mean, even on my way there; I’m in the car, a buddy of mine is driving me downtown and I’m staring out the window, and I think I see you, not far from the church, right? Folding up an umbrella and walking into a deli on the corner of 13th and Broadway. And I thought I was going crazy, but now I think it probably was you.

I lived on 11th and Broadway.

Dedicated to Baby Bird:

Title from Magnificent Ruin