I met my younger self at the park

I met my younger self at the park
She got there 10 minutes late
With her hair thrown up in a ponytail and some shorts and shirt from goodwill
I got there 15 minutes late
With my hair curled, and on brand, overpriced clothes
First, she swung on the swings
I watched the wind comb through her hair
Her eye lightening up every time she reached the peak
She giggled as the sun smiled on her tan skin
I watched and observed, jealous of her free spirit
After that we got ice cream
She ordered strawberry, with chocolate syrup, and sprinkles
I ordered vanilla
By the river we sat and talked
She talked unreluctantly about everything
She talked about her friends at school, that mean teacher she once had
She asked me if high school was better, if I was popular, if I still cheered
We laughed about funny memories we shared
She asked me about mom and if she ever got help
I looked in her big blue eyes and told her that was something to talk about once she's older
I know she hated when I said that because I know I always did
We left that day, and I told her good luck
She looked at me and smiled “I don't need good luck; it looks like I turned out pretty good”