two bikes in the rain

we rode

our bikes in the rain

and stopped at a 7-11,

where we ate hot dogs

under the overhang.

drank sodas.

she was thirteen,

i was fourteen.

our hair, our clothes

were soaked as

we sat on the ledge

of the window

and ate.

we were hungry.

we were poor. two kids

from the other side

of the track.

childhood friends

who shared a porch.

we kissed once,

it was a summer night.

the night before her family

moved to

California.

she pressed her lips

against mine,

saying close your eyes

and don't forget me.

we both grew old.

we lost contact.

but to me she was the most

beautiful girl

i have ever known.