Page 24 of I Can’t Even Think Straight

Saturday: The Pendant—Bouldering

Something from my mum

hangs around Obi’s neck.

He wears the loop of jade pendant

from Mum’s market stall,

even though we’re not supposed to

wear jewelry at bouldering.

Coach doesn’t seem to notice.

I notice how often,

even though I stay with Matt

and Obi stays with Jenny,

Obi looks over and smiles at me.

I notice his long canines,

and the wolfish look of him.

His whole vibe has changed

in the space of a week.

He’s torn the sleeves off

his youth squad T-shirt

to turn it into a tank top.

I notice his biceps and triceps.

I notice the hair in his armpits.

Most of all, I notice the pendant.

I dream of being as close to Obi

as that lucky pendant gets to be.