one last time

the sun is falling. dropping deeply behind the swing set. the swings sway slightly as the cool darkness acts as a mother, gently pushing each chained seat. a chill sweeps through the air and bites my nose. i am trying to say goodbye to this hidden world riddled with memory-filled grass and benches. i wave goodbye to the tree's branches and fallen leaves. the branches, naked, wave back to me. i kiss goodbye the bees, stuck in a cool puddle. they shake their wings in attempt to free themselves from their wet bindings. i bend down to the cool, damp ground and write one last "I love you" in the sand, knowing that the oncoming storm will wash away the emotions from this place before you get a chance to know it was there. It's getting colder, sun dropped fully beyond the hillside across the road. i cup my hands around my bare arms, erupted with goosebumps and try to soothe them away, skin to skin. i take one step, then another, and with each step further from my past my knees knock and legs tremble to match the tears that are stinging my lips. but i don't stop walking. it took me some time to leave this behind me, but i know if i were to look back i know i will not find you there. not anymore.