Salute Poem by Rose James

Your t-shirt felt warm against my skin
I love you like it’s a heavenly sin
But we don’t talk much or hang out
So in my mind there’s deep-rooted doubt
Just the occasional eye contact or smile
Please can we just replace the tile
That came loose last winter and fell to the ground
You left me like the change of season but with much less sound
I’ve tried to move on
I understand that you have gone
Yet I single your face out of the crowd
And I shout so loud
But you haven’t heard me
Your head remains forward as I plea
Then you stop in your tracks
Raise one arm whilst I’m still facing your back
Fingers pressed together
You salute and are gone forever