Sonnet of Permission

Can I address you by nickname with glee,
And start planning the next class vacation?
Can I tell roommates 'bout our family tree,
And share with them our class publication?

Can I call in the middle of the night,
And find you online without thinking twice?
Can I discuss a political fight,
And, on lasting concerns, ask for advice?

Can I play the same songs time and again,
And pronounce "allele" the way you do?
Can I stop the songs before they begin,
And never go mad the way I used to?

When I stand alone in a foreign land,
Can I think of you? Please do say I can.


(Leaving on the 14th. Keep in touch, and don't say I didn't warn you if your phone ever rings at midnight.)