Stray Eyelashes and Such

I stopped believing wishes would come true.
I used to try hard—
We all did.

Jump high
        every New Year.
Blow candles
        on birthday cakes.
Blow away
        stray eyelashes from your face.
Close your eyes
        after seeing a falling star.
Hold your breath
        when crossing a bridge you've never crossed before.

What did you wish for?
What did I wish for?

What do I wish for?

It all seems ridiculous now.
Wishes.
Our bizarre rituals to make them happen.

When did it all start to go sour?
Why did we stop believing?
Why did I?

We grew up, that's why.
Really.
It all seems laughable now.
Futile.

But it was magical, wasn't it?
Back when we still whispered wishes—
Our well-guarded secrets passed on to the wind—
And hoped the forces of the universe
Could make them happen
Somehow.

The illusion was good while it lasted.