Judy stared at her bedroom ceiling, just as she did every night. She admired the familiar crevices as she allowed her mind to drift freely. Normally this habit resulted in sleep, but this particular night her brain was wide-awake. Her eyes careened to her bookcase, as she thought of the many adventures that lurked inside each book, ready to be released into her imagination. She looked at her favorite, “Out of the dark and into the sky”, and thought of the brilliant adventure it took the reader on.

picture from so long ago
remembering that day
waiting in anticipation
for the girl who had been
a best friend
now what was she?
I missed her
got all dressed up in
my favorite outfit
did my hair the way
I thought
looked best
wanted to impress
posed, for just a minute
in a pile of leaves
behind my sisters
one 'look'
one fake smile
one face radiating joy
me,
trying not to get leaves on my clothes
yet this picture
was my favorite for two years
why?