I Still Remember

I still remember the first day we talked on the phone,
6th March—your voice felt like home.
I still remember our anniversary, the 20th of every month,
Yet a year was hard for us to reach, love fragile and blunt.

I still remember your first letter when you were going to school,
The words etched in my soul, ending with "my Mautamu mingi"—so full.
I still remember those late nights when you had to go,
The tears in your eyes, not wanting to let go.

I still remember every laugh, every cry, every fleeting embrace,
As if I’m reliving each moment, still in this space.
I still remember us—the happy us, the unbreakable we,
A love so deep, I thought it would always be.

I still remember how we’d talk endlessly, day and night,
Not caring about classes, living in love’s light.
I still remember how we’d long to see each other again,
Counting the days, feeling the ache, the strain.

I still remember every outfit you wore,
How you’d ask me to choose, unsure at the core.
I still remember the indecision over what we’d cook,
Always...