To Anna

I was 8 when I came running to you
Crying, hiccups lost in a slobbering mess
I'd forgotten to get the letter to school.
All the other kids looked on as you stood close to me
You were 10, but a hug was all it took to reassure me.
And as a teen when I came running back
Mean words echoing inside my mind
You stood close to me again
Even as your friends made fun of you
A hug, a few soothing words
And I was ready to face the world again.
Now only years later,
I cannot come running when I hurt
My fingers hover over the buttons
That would get me closer to you.
They hover because it's been so long
Since we've spoke.
Calls missed and unreplied messages
I don't know what's even up with you.
But maybe I need to stop running
Because you've taught me how to.