Rework Of Joe Brainnard's "I remember"

I remember, By: Alex Bovim


I remember running a 5k and asking the lady on my left how much time we had left

I remember thinking my sister’s face looked silly after her first-degree burns. We were in Barbados, and she fell asleep on the beach.

I remember how serious my classmate looked in 5th grade, trying to explain the harm of cracking one’s knuckles.

I remember when kicking a ball into a net was all that mattered

I remember the chiming of the bells during Wednesday mass in middle school. I was prepared each time, and still they moved me.

I remember the first football game I ever watched. The Giants defeated the Patriots, although I had gone to bed before the final whistle.

I remember when laser tag parties were the best thing in the world

I remember the last roadtrip my family took together. We were heading to Colorado, and I farted the whole way there.

I remember Beat Bobby Flay, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and Iron Man

I remember the lady who always sat in front of me at the Capitals games. Her name was Beth, and she was a season ticket holder and a dedicated fan.

I remember scoring as a kid, during mites on ice (in between the Capitals intermission) in front of thousands, then coming back to my seats to watch the 3rd period, where Beth’s classic high-five awaited me

I remember my first concussion. It was on Mother’s Day of 2022, and my first hockey game of the season. A blade had sliced open my leg during the first period, and after the trainer had finished wrapping the cut, I went right back out. My head throbbed later that night while the doctor stitched me, so I knew I was concussed. I wonder whether, had my dad not been upset with me that day, I would have sat out the rest of the game.

I remember meeting the comedian Bob Menery, who was exactly like I would have imagined

I remember South Park

I remember witnessing Noel Gallagher live in DC. The Ben’s Chili Bowl that I had tried for the first time right before didn’t stop me from aggressively dancing.

I remember the tears from my ex

I remember when I discovered rainbow gold fish. Boy, was I elated!

I remember feeling untouchable after passing driving school in just 3 days

I remember when I completed tasks for their own sake

I remember my first time trying eel at a party in Vienna, when a parent insisted it was tasty, though I would have preferred fries.

I remember sneaking out of my hotel room in Paris to catch a glimpse of the Eifiell tower, which I was rightfully reprimanded for, though I often find it easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

I remember watching The Hunger Games 14 years late. I found similarities between America and Panem.

I remember jumping in a shark cage at fourteen in Mexico. I actually watched a bullshark rip meat apart like it was snacking on a bag of jerky

I remember Crybaby’s

I remember that first kick from sucking on a warhead, then the dissipation of sourness shortly after

I remember dreams of becoming a firefighter and a marine biologist

I remember hearing that Dark Chocolate was good for you, and wondering how that was possible if it was still chocolate

I remember being bullied for my height in elementary school

I remember being the fastest kid each year

I remember my first touchdown. I loved it so much that I had to do it again.

I remember watching Saquon highlights. And I remember emulating what I saw

I remember despising showers. And I remember when I started to love them

I remember waking up in fear, unable to drive, because I was losing the ones I loved

I remember overcoming that fear years later with discipline, sacrifice, and faith

I remember seeing the Milky Way in Greece when a shooting star passed by. And I remember at that moment having total confidence in the existence of God

I remember asking God to “please appear and talk with me for five minutes.”

I remember being surprised at how constructive nature’s presence really was for me.

I remember sunny skies in Palm Springs

I remember golf carting everywhere in Palm Springs and going lemon picking

I remember I tried to go out as much as possible because I loved the smell of lemons

I remember smiling because I was going to fuck around all summer

I remember Fruit Ninja and that doodleman game from class

I remember depressing wooden seats with worn-out blue chairs

I remember biking in Nantucket and feeling the air in my lungs, and wanting to live there forever. And I remember knowing I could not unless I set my mind to it, which I have done, and when it happens, I know it shall be worth it, as I will return.

I remember getting very hot, like furnace hot, in some poorly run public health building due to some frustrating situation I’d rather not discuss right now

I remember making faces at my friends during class, particularly Frank Cull, during presentations

I remember laughing to the point where I couldn’t even breathe