That particular smile
you displayed in that vacation picture
when you strode atop that monument
having reached such heights with your friends
on such a day
as such an accomplishment
while I
awaited receipt of the image
along with the other gifts you’d eventually send…
it is a joyous smile.
Free.
Perfect.
You seem at peace
and complete
in a way I don’t recall ever seeing before.

I wish I had seen it before.
I wish I had provided it.
I wish I were in the fucking state when it occurred
and I wish
we hadn’t agreed
on separate vacations.

When you come back
if you come back
we are clearly due a talk.