It is almost exactly ten years

since we shared drunken kisses

in an unheated bar

in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Later that night, drunker still,

a kiss broke into laughter

when we rolled off my bed

and fell to the floor.

* * *

Ten years later: you

still in Tennessee, in Nashville, me

in Phoenix, Arizona. A catch-up

conversation: You told me about

your kidney transplants, addiction

to pain medication, recovery,

getting engaged, breaking it off,

buying a house, rescuing dogs,

traveling, getting happy.

“I learn...