Each Heart I've Known: A Villanelle

I remember you—I remember we
lined up, took the stage, and sang our hearts out.
Each heart I’ve known is still a part of me.

I remember rushing with you, gaily,
almost late for class—one last joke and shout.
I remember you—I remember we

wrote letters to each other on girly
stationery, subjects—hearts warm and stout.
Each heart I’ve known is still a part of me.

We shared our fiery faith, knee beside knee,
but, storms later, you could not share my doubt.
I remember you—I remember we

grew differently—same soil, different trees.
And so we parted, each on our heart’s route.
Each heart I’ve known is still a part of me.

You may not know I love your memory.
You’re part of who I am, within, without.
I remember you. I remember “we.”
Each heart I’ve known is still a part of me.