To Bose and Abdul

say “kind” and your face
pops up like new lit candle fire.
built like a mountain because
you provide a den, a cave
a home for yours.
for all the basic human
needs, for trust and
vulnerability and good
humour— I’m grateful
my friend.

The portrait of the younger you
reminded me of
the portrait of Dorian Gray.
would you trade your old age
for your new one?
I mean who wouldn’t want
all of that hotness to last forever?
thank you for the gentle reminders,
experience, and love.
you deserve a statue.

Younglan Talyoung