For T--

i like it when you smile
'cause your dimples are deep
and your teeth are really white

i like your waves
and your silver-rimmed glasses you don't like
'cause they "never match dark colors"

i like your enthusiasm
about skateboarding and your willingness to teach me
even though, if i'm honest, i'm only doing it for you

i like that you read alice walker's poem
and re-read it when i couldn't explain to you how
to see past the obvious, into the soul of it

i like your multitude of scars
and the clumsiness behind each
and even that birthmark of yours; the sun and venus