Ari Nystrom Rice

Since the Playground is Gone

I want to wear

sandals and

colorful button up T’s

(to feel the muscles

around my lips

toughen

over time).

To step

where you step

with your step

but

I know

I cannot take your step

I want to remember

the seesaw

with you

pushing each other off swings

forgetting upstairs

and the stairs

I’ll try

to push

myself

but

you walked away

leaving me

kinetic

till I fall

back in place.