It's Nice to Have a Friend

Especially when they're not here.

My friends were out of town. I realize these best friends are the best friends to call. Feeling lonely doesn’t always mean being alone and needing a friend doesn’t always mean needing to talk to anyone either.

They have a nice pool but it’s green. Green with good bacteria. I believe anything she tells me about bacteria. Before I remember the pool, I think of the trampoline. Did I ever tell you I used to do gymnastics?

They say I can go over without them there.

I managed to grab a towel and headphones but no bathing suit or sunscreen. I didn’t really have a plan when I got in the car.

I lay on the trampoline in the sun. I connect my headphones and start jumping. Straddle. Pike. Straddle. Pike. Straddle, straddle, straddle. Pike, pike, pike.

Light pink sky up on the roof
Sun sinks down, no curfew

Then I get out of breath. I consider eliminating alcohol and dairy. Then decide none of it matters.

Twenty questions, we tell the truth
You've been stressed out lately? Yeah, me too

I take off my clothes and jump in the pool. Skinny dipping at high noon. I like there to be one day in summer where I’m told I got too much sun.