JASON AWAKENS

I whispered that name

when I awoke in the early

hours just before dawn.

I'd dreamed of that friend

of mine -

He'd visited me at my parents'

house & it had been one of our

childhood adventures with supplies

of bubble gum & soda purchased

at Broman's Mooreville general store.

It was all that it had been & more

when he danced with my sister before

laying down next to me & kissing me

gentle & exploring with tongue

& fingers that brushed against me.

My fingers brushed back & my lips

kissed more than his mouth & I gasped

at the Prince Albert that I had no knowledge of...

I woke up & drove to his house but it was in shambles.

I cried.

And then that simple laughter & deep drunken smile

voice of his drifted out of the hillside house that I ran

up & into, to find him with Courtney & strangers

who looked curious while I spilled my gratitude at finding

him & then sweating & stuttering as I told him of my dreaming

while Court smiled & Jason said nothing... Just stared & faded.

"The stars..." he finally spoke. "The stars are falling;

think of me & catch them falling deep into the heart of you.

Our friendship is a falling star; a burning echo; a drumming

heartbeat from my concious bitterness. Don't regret this vision

of love! Don't deny it! These words are like that gentle kiss

once dreamed & now remembered by all that you shared

it with."

And then sadly... as Court let go of his strong child's hand:

"Time to grow up."