nineteen years later
and my eighth grade
bio teacher
is still teaching me
about life

but without
the limitations
of textbooks
lesson plans
or labs

we are instead
dissecting
our thoughts
feelings
experiences

sharing notes
aware that
this time
there are no
wrong answers

it is strange how often
private conversations
take place in the most
public of spaces

the corner booth at taste of thai
the central plaza in old town
the elevator up to the second floor
of the marriott courtyard

even if ambient noise
prevents some words
from being overheard
even if avoiding eye contact
allows the illusion
that no one else is around

you’re never really alone