Everything Leaves Traces

Everything leaves traces

Like the way he tilted his head

His body leaning against a silent building 

Half sunken 

In diminishing sunlight 

And how the wind constantly 

changes the texture of water

Tampering with its memories 

And how summer takes everything away

Except chairs and unfinished conversations 

Everything leaves traces

She mumbles 

Her face 

A deflated balloon 

No longer able to float

And carry any birthday wishes