a person with a mind and soul
made of colorful, vivid ribbons
quietly walks through the world.
she expects to feel the warmth
of their smiles on her face.
their eyes softly crinkle
when they're with each other.
when they walk toward her,
they grimace - every single time.
their voices fade until
she can only hear the sound
of her loud breathing,
feel the chill in the air,
and blink the tears away.

what wonders exist,
                    i imagine,
                            behind your eyes?

what wonders exist
                       in
          the palm of your hand?

                        it would be miraculous
          if those wonders
                                       felt
                        anything
                 like
your lips.

for the first time in my life, I'm not hiding.
I stand with my walls down and my heart open.
my legs are shaking, and my breathing is shallow.

he wraps his arms around me to keep me steady.
my head rests on his chest as he strokes my hair.
I close my eyes for a moment, finally able to rest.

I look at him carefully, and I see no armor.
his walls are down and his heart is open.
his legs are shaking, and his breathing is shallow.

we hold each other until our love grows roots.
then we let go, and our smiles illuminate the world.
he takes my hand in his, and we walk together.

she studies his soft features
with furrowed eyebrows,
catching every detail
in the palm of her hand.
the palm lines show their story.

i cannot wait to walk with you.
to grab your hand beside mine,
look at the ocean view.

i want to tell you “i love you”,
through whispered breaths
buried in the sand.

and when we lay for a night of rest,
my breath will follow your shallow pattern.
until our hearts
are two, beating as one.