I was here
before you knew me –

I was the
first cold night
of January –
the last hot day of June
I was the rush
beneath the April lake
the blue that made
you shiver

I was the song you couldn’t know
and still you sang

I was the warmth
of wornout mittens
your named stitched just inside –
a scarf that smelled like someone
you had loved
I was a day old dream
and a time of truce
becoming yesterday

the only word
you swore to never speak
I was the prayer
I was the promise
I was the night you knew
would come –
a dandelion blown into
forever by the breeze –
a light to burn
when all the stars are done

I am the flame
resolved to warm you –
arms that hold you still
life to live (I know you)

and I am you
again