friction is lost,

the skating rink

he never

asked

for

flooring the brake,

all he can do now

is to

hope

for

the girl

to stop.

ring ring

pause

for.

i) a trade. of sorts.

mother is calling

her voice cracking with

a tone that shatters me

ii) it can wait.

too cold

fingers freezing

cannot answer

sans gloves

iii) a wish.

he wishes he lived

in Monterey

she wishes she had

made her

own coffee