on a ring subjected to fifteen hundred pounds of pressure for a brief period of time

the ring laying on asphalt
where a silver honda civic (two doors) ran over it one day
after she pulled it off, brokenhearted
down a prom date
but already planning who to ask to go with her.
or maybe it fell out of her purse when she climbed in her parents' suv
and some middle school friendship imploded
as the tires continued unaware.

placed on a chain, it sways a little
it's ovoid, silver, partially crushed
each scratch means something. each missing rhinestone
how many years did she wear this?
how many times has she thought of it since?
if i keep the ring on this chain
will she see me tomorrow and say
that isn't yours. you didn't cry over this
you didn't fall in love over this.

probably not.
but something so intricate, still almost beautiful
once loved
it makes you wonder.