Claire

One chance to show your face.
 this one shot all you get. 
 pass by your one good thing.
 lift your head back shoot and chase. 
 never hear you laugh like that, so full.
 not since you were nine. 
 learn your restricted ropes. 
 paint a cross on your left hand. 
 one good thing signed away and with it your only hope.
 attention focused on today.
 so quiet slip behind my back. 
 unsettled, severing always severing old ties.
 one last good-bye may last the rest of your life.
 one way trip can work both ways and loose ends kept untied 
 make better friends. 
 the things you buy may someday leave you.
 can you say full ride? 
 i can still see you around.