Later, we dry off in the sun
as the show continues in the valley below us.
He tells me he is in college
about an hour away from here
that Magpie is his oldest friend
and that he wants to be a vet.

He asks about me, and I tell him.

He makes me do a back flip
for him in the grass
he claps,
I bow.

And he tells me that he wants to see me again.

I am happy
and terrified
all at the same time.