Hugging Blake, I tell him,

you remind me how amazing people can be.

Shaking hands, he says,

“you know you’re always my first call.”

We work hard together, so

I’m honest with him, and he’s honest with me.

Wiping sweat, we share a laugh and talk about our spouses.

“I just wanted to give you guys something that would help,

not something you’d get rid of in a year or two.”

We’re halfway through the day, tired but still going.

“I’m really happy for you both,” he says, “you can use me as a reference.”

Going back to work, I understand the world a little more.

And in my tiny nook of it, I know

that nothing is forgotten.