The Bridge to Nowhere

There's a place I go to

When you cross my mind

It's almost as if you're still there

By my side

Whispering in my ear.

Caressing my palm.

We called it the bridge to nowhere.

I remember meeting you there

Sitting near the end

Staring out towards the water

You approaching me.

I remember looking up.

Your amused tanned face

Your messy dark hair

Your mesmerizing golden eyes

Clashing with your football jersey.

I remember your simple hello

Your nervous chuckle

Your silly, apologetic smile.

I remember smiling back

Inviting you to sit.

Our first meeting on the bridge to nowhere.

I remember sneaking out after dark

To meet you there

Just to lay on the bare, wooden boards

Staring at the moon.

I remember the smell of flowers that spring

Branches blooming nearby.

The smell of smoke and spices

Forever embedded in your clothes.

I remember your singing

Sweet nothings

In my ear.

Entwined together on the bridge to nowhere.

I remember your high school graduation.

Your mother so proud.

Your sister excited.

Your father crying.

I remember your first game in college.

You running onto the field.

Pride and joy in your eyes.

Though you didn't play because of the sprained wrist.

I remember your sweaty embrace

And your ramblings

of the game

Reviewing every play

Your eyes shimmering with excitement.

Racing to the bridge to nowhere.

I remember that call

Which changed my life.

My heart stopped.

I couldn't think.

I remember rushing

To the hospital.

Crying with your little sister

Collapsed on the floor.

I remember your bloodied face

Wrapped in linen.

Wires bursting from your chest.

I wanted to hide on the bridge to nowhere.

I remember spending nights

Curled by your side.

Willing you to stay.

Strong.

I remember that endless tone

That said you were gone.

I cried at the bridge to nowhere.

I remember culling up in your hoodie.

Smelling you

Pretending it was you.

Your arms surrounding me again.

I remember lying by the stone

That recalled your name

Talking to you

I remember cleaning out our room

With your mother and sister.

Finding that little box by your bed.

Your final gift to me.

I opened it at the bridge to nowhere.

I still go there sometimes.

With a letter filled

With promise and dreams.

And a flame

By which to send it at the bridge to nowhere.