Because

Because

My thin hand lights a candle for you

Because you became my friend

When I arrived new

Sitting among the rest

Because you fetched me from the library

At break

To join in carols in the hall

Because you remain my friend

Despite my dental plate and pigtails

Because you liked my skinny legs

And read me books

My candle burns

Because you walked barefoot with me

Through shops

And you wait

While I choose sweets

Because you give me sandwiches at break

And explain sums in the afternoon

And sometimes,

You stroke my hair

Because you are my friend

And don’t listen when they say

You are a boy and I am a girl

Because you understand

when I creep away from you

Behind the thick curtains

When you start to cry

My candle wavers and flickers

Because it says

Thank you