old emails
slap you in the face
like a wet towel
reminding you that
people change
and love is a thing
that comes and goes
and nothing to be depended on,
that girls grow up and get fat
move to England and become
office workers where before they were
avant-garde artists.

old emails
remind you that
friends are fluent
in rebellion and betrayal
and not giving a shit
when things get rough.

old emails remind you that
Mark Nevin was a good guy
and generous to have responded
to your sycophantic message
about the time you saw him
in a Morrissey video.

fame must not keep us
from humanity.

old emails
remind you that
people actually do
keep in touch
and I was proud to know you then
and I am proud to know you now,

friend.