We had an actual conversation.
Not just a quick exchange
We reminisced about grade five
When we had an Amazing teacher
And your dad was still alive

You're taking up origami now
Folding paper while I'm ripping it
You're folding it and I'm writing on it in looping, swirling cursive.
I'm happy, for that's a little less self destructive.

60 pieces you must make, you say.
That's quite impressive
I remember sitting behind you at an oil kings game.
Hockey. Sticks and pucks slapping against the ice.
He was wearing a hat. His ear was missing skin.
I passed you two autographed hockey cards out of two parts pity and one part hoping you'd look back and thank me.
Do you still have those cards?
I gave those to you for you to keep.

I'm itching for you to talk to me again, J
I am