Childhood sweetheart

I have seen you as a wobbly kneed boy

As you ran behind me pulling my pigtails 

Throwing little stones far into the middle of the pond 

Seen you climb trees, taught me to ride my bicycle 

Skipping classes together, muffled giggles

Sharing lunch boxes, snatching away what was already yours 

But somewhere in the middle, we lost each other 

I moved across cities, you stayed behind 

The next time we saw each other, the boy had gone 

In place was a man, with a deep voice and scruffy voice

I felt intimidated, distant 

Drifting apart was only natural, hurting was all the more so 

Today once again, you are there by my side 

Rushing in when I needed you the most 

Holding my hands, tightening your grip

Once again, I saw a man in you 

And no, it wasn't love, it was kindness that drew me back to you 

Not just for me, but for the whole world 

Your ability to empathize with others 

Feeling their pain, making it yours 

As for love, it would come later

Creeping in between phone conversations 

And late night strolls 

Through the books exchanged 

A new story that I had begun to write, but the beginning always remains the same

A childhood sweetheart...