Forget

Words by Doc

I set the scene, confidence brimming upon my fingertips

I tighten the strap on my satchel and calmly walk past the children playing by

The one with the purple patches down his shorts and a bridled braid against his head

Caught by a twinkle in his step, a certain light beneath his eyes

He’s lowly against the rest

He’s the calm before the chaos carving against the surface

I see the bloodshot eyes and the tear-stained cheeks

And I’m left in awe with how alike we seem to be

He catches my eye and the corners of his mouth upturn

The slightest smile catches me off guard and I trip over my breaths

I walk past the fruit stand down the wet market

Rotten mangoes on the window sill, a purple patch on my jacket

Leaves turn over, seasons brim anew

And I return the smile