Letter to My Best Friend, When She Told Me She’s in Love

Dear Bestie,

For a minute after you tell me, I can’t focus —

all I can see is your disco-ball smile. My own face mirrors it —

I can’t stop.

My darling, my friend, this is the happiest I’ve seen you in a while.

I see the photographs you’ve sent me,

I’m flipping through them,

I stop at his face — I zoom in and out, trying to read into the lines in his skin.

Will they deepen into a smile? Will his brows furrow in confusion?

How will this face look angry?

Is he quiet?

Is he kind?

Is he gentle?

Is he soft?

Are his hands steady

enough to hold, my friend,

your priceless golden soul?

You said, “Girl, I love him,” and before I know it,

I’m throwing my entire force of will

up to the universe, a silent prayer to everything we both believe in,

hoping that your love is strong, hoping that your love is kind,