california

you remind me of california

it's written all over your face.

your eyes are the pacific

your smile a curved palm leaf.

your hair a forest of kelp

waving as fish pass by.

you're a jagged skateboard edge

you're burning golden sand

and your teeth glint like skyscrapers

in a growing san diego.

the funny thing is,

you've never been to a beach,

nor a party,

not even a pool.

you live on the east coast

where winter is plentiful,

and surfing is scarce.

but you've told me

so many times,

that one day you'll be where the grass is green.

one day you'll be where the boys look your way.

one day you'll be where words are thrown like beach balls,

without a second thought,

without anyone to judge.

where your words aren't thrown into snowbanks,

melting,

unnecessary.

but i always thought,

why should you have to?

when california is right here

in you.