Dear Alex

by Craig Cotter

Dear Alex,

Last night

you were 19.

*

Last night

your wife answered the phone

so no way to reach you—

*

Now we’re away
30 years .

Why do I bring you back

with your fresh skin?

Even your zits
on high cheekbones

teen oil around them

Wednesday
to take another chunk.

Tumors in my brain and chest

work to take me
some place new.