Endgame

I remember those frosted nights with salt all over the ground.
I did not know the rules of basketball, but I knew what I came to see.
Your mother, that executive queen– she would always give me a distanced talking to –
in the kitchen, by the bleachers, wherever it could comfortably fit.
I would talk about your art, about Kentucky and her day at work.
So much of you is art to me – each feature, a stunning gallery.
I liked that she made you with Tony. That was concrete, at least.
November 23rd – well, it means a lot to me.
Getting back to the frost and the air.
I could have made you so warm, but once I forgot to offer my jacket.
You had no problem reminding me.
Anytime I offered you something after that must have looked offensive.
I still love you so much.
What do you think of us now?
Our months were filled with back-rubs and silent fights.
With money blown and nothing earned.
And I wore a few badges then – I’ve since removed them.
Longevity. I beat the time of Ryan.
That only took a week, but I impressed myself.
I must have been better than him for you. At least I have that.
I have a few more things.
Sincerity. I meant what I said.
I will always be here, existing for you.
I will not cease (in case you need me).
You know me, babe. And I know you.
We used to like it that way.
Just know you’ve still got me near – I’m only an island away.
But the distance from you has always been the same.
And you…
Remain.