the years have flowed like an unyielding river
as if the future couldn’t wait to claim us—
we were just two souls
awkwardly saying hellos,
saving all our saturdays and sundays
for dates,
exploring cheap cafes,
invading every fast food place,
lost in each other's company,
our love still raw and unformed.

time has gently rearranged my face,
the features of youth softened,
faded,
the carefree glow replaced
by a serious, stoic calm.
yet my long black hair,
which you loved so dearly,
still cascades down my back—
a memory unchanged
in the mirror's reflection.
no wrinkles yet,
but my freckles now bloom
like...