So. Carolina.

We both swore it.

We never said the words, but it was understood…like

spitting in our hands and shaking

or picking scabs to smear our blood together.

You’re taking it all back, now.

I’m not sure if you realize it, but

every promise has turned to dust

and every swear flits away.

Tonight we’ll drive and

I’ll try to change your mind for

all our sakes. Yours, mine, everyone.

You see, if you go, you’ll have turned

into the man we knew you could be, the man

we hoped you never would be.

You said you’d never be him.

You said you’d never be him.

You said you’d never be him.