Aurora Magazine 2020

Aurora

Landmark Tavia Hedrick

I walked past it today, That old, wooden bench Once vibrant and beautiful. I pondered to sit down, But thoughts of you held me back. A cardinal sat on that very spot Where you laid your arm around me for the first time. I still feel the butterflies flutter, The sweat in the creases of my palm, The weight lifted off my chest as I sunk into yours. I was only 15 when we left our marks With your brother’s pocketknife,

And shared the M&Ms you stole for me. At 18 your hand swept across my face And we danced To music only in our heads. You said to run away with you, This city had nothing for us. I saw the initials with a faded heart And the brightness in my eyes faded. This is no longer a place I feel Your love, Your touch. This picture I see, It is painted so perfect, Yet is nothing but a distant memory, That I so wish and long to forget. It is nothing now, but just a Silly, old landmark. But I couldn’t help to sit down anyway, And smile at you behind the Sun.

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