In Capsized Boats Gold River Lit

From the back of the bus we watch the boys

Ripping off shirts, muscles ripple like sand -

Your lips to my ear; girls make little noise

Giggles in cherry, our own Chapstick brand

“I love him” you shout to the open sky

Because you love to be loud when no one’s around

Silk-woven lies you live off the high

Told to clergy, confessions whispered out loud

My first taste of whiskey without you there

“Why didn’t you wait?” - but I think love was

In capsized boats, gold river lit, held stares

Gold liquor poison won’t change us because

I think that’s why you left summer behind

(Your rose-blushing cheeks in thorns intertwined)

Your childish girl heart, devoted; divine.