Looking Back

We all look so young. I told Jake for the third time

While running my soft fingertips over the photo’s silky front.

Well, it’s been years, Emma.

I smiled sweetly and snuck a peek at Jake. He was smiling as well.

We both let out a bubbling laugh we were trying to hold in.

Our original purpose of looking through these pictures

Was to select a couple for our graduation party.

But we were having far too much fun commenting

On every single photo we came in contact with.

He set aside the photo in the ‘keep’ pile and picked through the rest of them

That were spread on my hardwood clad bedroom floor.

He held up another photo and pointed at something that escaped my notice.

My mind kept wondering back to the last photo.

I remember the day exactly.

The approaching winter air was bitter against our rosy pink cheeks

That were hot from hard play.

We had already undressed from our tasseled hats and woolen mittens.

They were unnecessary now;

Our body heat was more than enough to keep us warm.

Our laughter rang like the chimes at church on Sunday,

High pitched and often.

Hours later,

My friends, Jake, and I were still playing our imaginary games,

Adding our own rules and establishing a forever-changing safe spot.

We had a small pile of treasures that we had found in my backyard.

Jake’s dad gave us an old shoe box to put them in.

A few rocks, dead leaves and small figurines

That we had lost during the summer months.

We vowed to never lose them again.

Of course, we had found them in another place in our yard a year later.

A flash suddenly distracted me from my attempt

To catch Jake in our intense game of tag.

I stopped and looked at my mom holding up a large black camera.

We all crowded together in a little group

Smiling brightly and slinging our arms over each other’s shoulders

Say “Cheese”! She encouraged.

We smiled until I thought our faces would rip.

The camera flashed again, blinding us for only a second.

Emma, EMMA!

The voice swiftly brought me out of my flashback.

Jake was looking at me strangely,

Lips pursed slightly and his left eyebrow cocked up.

Don’t stare, it’s rude.