first dates

september 2013

those expectant velvety looks
that catch fire and hold a spark
as you wait for my response.
you have no idea what i'll say and i want
to surprise you.
delight you.
your melodious chuckle
and amusing expressions
and witty stories and weird analogies.
do we share bites of food?
do i protest when you reach
for the check?
do we hold hands at the close of evening,
kiss?
or is this done?
checked out before we started?

'how long can it last'
creeps into my head
as i gaze at you over wine and lamb shank.
this is the best part.
soon,
too soon, maybe,
we'll be too comfortable with each other.
i'll know what you're thinking
before you say it.
i'll ignore your burps and groan
at your farts that stink up the bed.
i'll roll my eyes at your terrible jokes and puns.
i'll sigh that you leave dishes to mold in the sink.
i'll sacrifice and compromise for you.
you'll complain when i drop things.
break things.
burn things.
you'll resent my need to talk through
too much, too many
issues.

but for now in these crisp autumn days,
when earth and flowers and leaves and cosmos
unfurl their glory,
your eyes twinkle with warmth and spirit
as you lean forward to enjoy me and my tentative love.

how long can it last?
how long before it breaks?
how many more of these bittersweet, breath-taking
'first moments' to endure?