Anne Marie Nollner

we walk toward the trees
years before, saplings and underbrush
were cleared for bench
the young trees, mere shadows of the large stands
razed for small palaces surrounded by green moats

her question was too personal, confusing
and I was too young and scared
so I walked and then ran
to the safety of my room
the comfort of sports posters and pet turtles

I realize now that it was obvious
the way I'd looked at her had changed
our interactions
tinged by the end of childhood
If only I'd said yes