⠀⠀ ⠀⠀✦ .. AUGUST IN TEXAS

because i was there, the grass was greener, the sickness was lifted, the mind was clearer. because i was there we saw a roadrunner in your backyard, we got front row seats on a boat to see a rain cloud of bats, the weather was tame, an orange star twinkled like flame. it blinked like the first time i'd ever seen a firefly at the not-so-clear blue hole where we swam like mermaids for the first time. where we met old friends, where we made new ones, where we connected over and over again.

i got to step on your toes to bad music where everyone else was doing the same. i got to be sweaty from your hands in mine and in other places. i was explored like a sheep's eyeball, delicately and thoroughly. i got to shower with another body next to mine. i got to feel your head lean gently against my thigh, and i got to run my fingers through your hair in reply.

i'm glad that you love me, that you all love me. there's no better way to say it. i was welcomed with bellinis and thrift shopping and bad manicures. i was hugged by your grandma and immediately welcomed into the family. my face still hurts from how often i showed my teeth. stepping into Texas is like walking into the world's largest welcome mat.

how lucky!