Henry
I’ve forgotten your last name
but the faded ink
still binds you to my wrist.

Henry
I’ve forgotten your birthday
but each December 7th
my thoughts drift to you
as the night gets late.

Henry
I became the person you thought you knew
hiding here behind her shadow
you never really got to meet her.

Henry
I’ve found other ways to lift my heart
I don’t go looking for shifting shapes
I don’t settle for little favors anymore.

Henry
I don’t know if there’s any place for me in your grief
at best I was a shadow that eclipsed your sky
I promise I won’t forget the light you cast
even if I can’t make out its pattern anymore.

---

Henry
I remembered your birthday
it was yesterday.