Dear Boy on the Bus

not much has changed about rainy days
I’m still so short that the bottom of my pants get soggy
I still feel the urge to throw my arms out and spin in dizzy circles

the sweet smell of dripping leaves,
quickly dissolving sidewalk chalk,
and mushy grass are welcome reminders of childhood

my feet get soaked in a randomly placed puddle
bad day to wear flats
but it’s okay, I love the rain

I sit criss cross on a metal seat
who decided to make benches that get so cold?
soft pitter-pattering fills the little shelter

….

the bus squeaks to a halt and I pull out my pass
usual routine of searching for an empty spot
after all, no one likes to sit next to a stranger

but your smile catches my attention
I return the gesture
you seem to glow even in the hushed light

the grey clouds must mean nothing to you
maybe they make you happy
I wonder if you carry a little sun in your pocket

I’m not brave enough to break the rules, so I sit behind you
you smell like every handsome boy I’ve met
maybe there’s a set of rules for beautiful people too

1. smell good at all times
2. never trip
3. be talented at almost everything

but there’s no rule about smiling at people like me
you’re different
I wonder if you know I’m not that different

I guess it doesn’t matter since I’ll never see you again

….

after much day dreaming I reach my destination
polite "thank you" to the cranky bus driver, fake "your welcome" in return
off the warm bus and into the misty air

I see you in the window staring at nothing
are you dreaming too?
your eyes remind me of her

I pull my hood up and walk away
so long beautiful boy
maybe we’ll meet again soon