I remember him,
that man


and his child bride.


The little girl from the island
with dark, beautiful hair


falling down her back,


twisting around itself,


a rope tightening
each time she turned her head.


I remember her,
that girl.


We played tag.



She was fast,



I reached for her


almost had her


when she turned
And hooked her foot around mine


and I went down hard,


her laughter ringing out.