To my first kiss
I remember I was trembling that night
As your hand took mine, and you
Led me under a tree.
I remember the colors of the leaves on the ground
In the moonlight, or maybe
Years later, they just look more vividly
Orange and purple to me.
You drew me closer and I
Could smell your cologne and, oh my,
It smelled so good, I could hardly breathe.
I remember you had to try twice,
At least, until I quit trying to leave.
You told me, "Calm down,"
"Don't be nervous," and put a gold heart
On my palm. I'd lied, so you didn't know
I'd never kissed anyone on the mouth.
Your lips were the first to ever meet,
Mine, that moment I finally gave in.
I can still taste your toothpaste and feel
Your delicate kiss, opening the world to me.
You loved me before you even
Got to take my hand. I was overwhelmed, scared
Of this feeling I can't understand.
Your love was innocent and boundless, it
Followed me as I moved away,
Across the sea, without knowing,
I'd always picture your face,
But another chance would be hard to come by,
Our missing each other through opposite paths.
Turbulent half-loves, doubts and distance,
Broke up our half-platonic affair.
Recently, I found your gold heart,
Dug it out from beneath a mass of pendants.
Yours was still shiny and whole,
While others were old and weathered:
The rusty heartaches, the pins and chains,
The promises etched in a ring I put away...
But to my lips, your kiss is still glued,
And a love that I shared, but never knew,
Until it seemed too late to reclaim.
