Extra Mayo

This poem is for my husband, and for my fifteen-year-old self.

The past couple of years have marked significant milestones in our relationship. 

As of this year, we have been together for longer than we were without each other. We met so young that Nick fell in love with a girl who was still secretly pretending she was a mermaid in the swimming pool (and I still secretly pretend the same thing today haha). 

I crossed the threshold from girl to woman during our span of time together. Think back to your fifteen-year-old self and how different you are now! It's jolting!

However, writing this piece made me realize that those soul-level characteristics that make me who I am are still there. They just present a little differently these days. 

In honor of our plans to renew vows in the new year, here is a glimpse into the two different versions of me that my husband has loved, both of those with Extra Mayo :)

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EXTRA MAYO
Heidi Wilson


Fifteen.
Glistening skin, dirt, morning warmth
The smell of leather, metal, and freshly mowed grass.

A tiger’s coat peeking through oily banana leaves
My fingernails stained orange and green.

Wildflowers, sticks, mom’s lotion
Lip gloss and potions.

Blue mosaics and dancing sunlight
Mermaid tail shadows.

Our fingers intertwined
I can’t find my balance. My heart.

Cocoa and caramel,
Sugared jelly peaches.

Crunching leaves and Country music, 
A fallen log table
Bologna cheese sandwiches.

Have it with extra mayo.

I did.

Thirty-Four.
Patchwork den, socks, morning frost
The smell of coffee, puppy breath, and old books.

A Fox under the dry-brush moon
My brushes stained silver and blue. 

Wildflowers, sticks, my lotion,
Salves, homemade candles, and potions.

Blue mosaics and dancing sunlight
Mermaid tail shadows.

Our fingers intertwined,
I can’t find my balance. My heart.

Butter and cream,
Sugared jelly watermelons.

Crunching leaves and folk music, 
A fallen log table
Bologna cheese sandwiches.  

Have it with extra mayo.

I do.