My Dear Friend

Dear Rosemary,

Isn't time a funny, slippery thing?

I haven't seen you in ages, but I can still tell anyone who doesn't know you

what your favorite coffee is. Creme brulee latte with extra cinnamon.

Are you still close with your parents since you moved to the big city?

I hope so. They were the kindest folks I’ve ever had the pleasure to know

Once when I was playing over at your house one Winter day

Your mama noticed I hadn’t brought a coat with me

I had forgotten to bring it with me when my dad dropped me off

She lent me one of your coats while we played outside and made snow forts

And snowman and snowwoman and their snowchildren.

And after she gave us the most tasty hot apple cider I’d ever tasted

As we sipped generously wrapped like burritos comfortably in blankets on the couch

Watching cartoons.

I miss that, and I miss you.

I used to know everything about you

But now I don’t know what you would prefer for coffee

Are you still in love with cinnamon

Or did the city change you and now you prefer soy milk.

I miss catching butterflies with you in the Summertime

And drawing chalk art on your driveway

Crying to ourselves when the rain came in

And destroyed it all that same day

I miss your rosy cheeks as you laugh

And your friendship that’s meant so much to me

I hope all is going well

And that you are happy.

Please write me back as soon as you are able

You will always be my best friend,

Sincerely,

Melody