The Crossover

Conversation

Hey, JB,

I played a pickup game

at the Rec today.

At first, the older guys laughed

and wouldn’t let me in

unless I could hit from half-court . . .

Of course, I did. All net.

I wait for JB to say something,

but he just smiles,

his eyes all moony.

I showed them guys

how the Bells ball.

I scored fourteen points.

They told me I should

try out for junior varsity next year

’cause I got hops . . .

JB, are you listening?

JB nods, his fingers tapping away

on the computer, chatting

probably with

Miss Sweet Tea.

I told the big guys about you, too.

They said we could come back and

run with them anytime.

What do you think about that?

HELLO—Earth to JB?

Even though I know he hears me,

the only thing JB is listening to

is the sound of his heart

bouncing

on the court

of love.