For Dallas
When I met you in the prison poetry workshop,
you were wary, untrusting; gradually decided I was real;
transferred months later, surprised me with a quick kiss goodbye.
In the years until you were free, we wrote letters.
I came to the hospital when your first child was born.
Later, his mother and you helped me through illness and injury.
The night you died, your spirit woke me from sleep to let me know.
The NaPoWriMo prompt today is to write a platonic love poem, addressed directly to the object of one's affections, and include at least three memories of engaging with them. Although this poem doesn't mention the word love, I trust it's evident in what is said.
Later revisions:
1 (very changed) see here.
2 (back closer to the original):
When I met you
in the prison poetry workshop
you were wary, untrusting
gradually decided I was real.
Transferred months later
you surprised me: a quick kiss goodbye.
In the years until you were freed
we wrote long letters.
I came to the hospital with gifts
when your first child was born.
Later, his mother and you
helped me through illness and injury.
The night you died
your spirit woke me from sleep to let me know.