This was the first poem written for my Creative Writing class in college (Spring 1999). The assignment was to write a poem that was a letter to someone.

Dear Amanda

It's me - your best friend - okay so it was
Seventeen years ago, but friendship is forever
Right?
Remember our first sleepover, telling ghost stories
In a tent in the backyard under the yellow gaze
Of the emergency flashlight?
I tried to tell that stupid one
About the big spooky house where
Inside there was a room and a closet and a box
And inside the box there was a MOUSE
I messed it up, but you laughed anyway.

You taught me to climb trees.
On that big old oak in the backyard
With a little flat spot in the middle
We hung sheets around it and it was a fortress.
You rode a bright red bike that carried you
Farther and faster than I could follow.
Your golden curls fell over your face when you laughed -
I think you were my first crush.

Why haven't you written me before?
I have a blue hair band that I think might be yours
From that day we went to the park and built sandcastles.
I'm so happy to talk to you at last -
Isn't it just like old times?
I'll come over to your house tomorrow
And we'll drink cherry kool-aid and chew grape bubble gum
And talk to the beetles in the grass.

Your friend,
Heather