Milk Chocolate

Milk chocolate —

the lovely sweetness of first love,

when everything feels new

and the heart knows only how to smile.


People love milk chocolate

because it isn’t too bitter,

nor does it ask for much.

Just one small piece

can soften a long, tiring day.


He came into my life just like that —

quietly filling the empty spaces,

bringing gentle smiles

like sunshine after rain.


We once sat side by side

over cups of hot cocoa,

talking about innocent plans

we thought would never change.


But then life grew up,

and we drifted apart

like chocolate bars

tucked into separate drawers of our lives.


Years later, I take a bite of milk chocolate

and realize the sweetness

is no longer as pure as before.

Maybe

the joy of youth melted

before I could hold onto it.


Still, even as memories fade,

I know this much is true:

there was once a love

simple and tender enough

that even a piece of milk chocolate

can make me smile.