Throughout life, people and relationships come and go, often leaving us with lingering questions. In this piece, I explore those unanswered questions and seek closure through the process of asking them.

Hey, how’ve you been?
It’s been forever since we last talked
Forever since we last met
Forever since we last parted

Hey, are you proud of me?
I’ve been able to forget
Able to laugh
Able to live

Hey, how are you doing?
I see you now having fun outside
Having incredible times
Having unforgettable moments

Hey, do you miss me?
I still remember the last time we laughed
Remember the last time we called
Remember the last time we said goodbye

Hey, did I ever tell you thank you?
I can’t get out of my head the guilt I have
Can’t get out of my head the feelings I felt
Can’t get out of my head the last time we met

Hey, do you remember me?
I remember texting you last year to see how you’re doing
Texting you last year to see if you still liked me
Texting you last year to say goodbye and close the door

Hey, how’ve you been?
I’ve moved on and I hope so have you
Sometimes I still stare at my phone, wondering if I should text you
But we closed the door and it should stay that way

Hey, I think I really did love you.

Process

The fleeting nature of time has prompted me to look back, wondering how those I’ve lost touch with are doing and what those experiences meant. This piece was born out of that nostalgia and introspection—an attempt to reconcile with the people who shaped my high school years and to address the unanswered questions I’ve carried with me as I approach the end of my senior year of high school. In crafting this piece, I relied on a combination of freewriting and reflection. Writing the poem “Hey, how’ve you been?” allowed me to process feelings I didn’t even realize I had, bringing me a sense of closure and understanding as I prepare to move on to the next chapter. Along the way, I learned that writing can serve as a tool for healing and closure, transforming my personal journey into something meaningful that others might relate to as well.