Laurels Literary Magazine Fall 2014 | Page 73

Yesterday was your birthday Kate Mathalone I don't think of you often, but I did today: how your dry fingers felt, interwoven with mine, and how those Ray-Bans, too small for your face, looked perfect when you smiled, especially at me. The overwhelming scent of Polo Blue, that you must have bathed in— I think of you whenever I smell that cologne, and for a moment I’m sure you’re standing next to me. It takes me back to cautious conversations, shared grievances, and how you’d wear that yellow bracelet I gave you drunk at the bar that night when we were out for your birthday. 71