Eleven years, and five more, and five again.

Eleven years with the friend, close as beloved brother
Every day at one door or the other.
Knock, knock, knock
"Can you play?"
Hundreds and hundreds of yeses.
And when we were very little,
People thought we were twins.
Endless play, mock competition.
Give in to my idea, give in to yours.
Sometimes sharing, sometimes not.
Always friends.
We dreamed of dinosaurs and fossils
Dug vast deep holes in a field and climbed giant rocks;
Searching for ice; a living dinosaur
And said we'd be rich and famous.
Together now, together always.
We said we'd get married long before we knew what it was.
And sealed our fate with a kiss on the cheek
I made you let me give you,
Not knowing what such a thing meant
Back when girls and boys ran from each other
Lest they touch and get infamous cooties.
Then you moved up the street; I saw you less,
But you were still my best friend.
The very best for fun and exploration.

Until we were eleven, and boys hunt out with boys,
And girls stuck close to girls.
We never spoke, but I always thought we would.
So I defended you when others did not
Though you never knew it.

Until the day, five years more,
My old best friend, who had my trust
Spoke again and ruined everything,
Cursing me with vile name, so I cried.
I defended you not after that day.

And now, five years again
Our paths cross once again
I would forgive you, oh I would
But though I start every time I see you,
You walk by as if I am a stranger,
Though I know you have not forgotten my face
For our paths cross too often for that,
And I am afraid to call out your name.
Oh, my friend, half my life your best friend,
Half your life my best friend.
How did our dreams become such strangers?
Why must we pass by as no one,
But such a no one who may not chance a smile?
But I still remember dinosaurs and space ships,
Tree forts and swing sets.
I remember all that time with you.
My friend, my childhood best friend,
What memories lurk beneath that cool face of yours
When you glance right not at me?
Do you remember before, and our laughter?