you presented with your pink and white checkered shirt
tucked in your worn out, distressed pants
secured by a fake leather belt.
one of the shoelaces on your sneakers was untied.

with great confidence,
your hands pointed at a white tarp
and your mouth spoke of failed prowess in something you've never learned.

i chose to love you that day.

your eyes burned with passion,
wanting to make sure each and everyone was on the same page
but no minds are ever the same
no hearts want to play.

and even with their furrowed brows,
you heeded to me
seated at the far back of the room.
i'd give you assurance,
but the cold in the room set my mood to 25 degrees.
i wish i understood what you said.

so when your time is up,
i find myself in front of you
electrically begging to close the gap between us.

instead,
with a tap on the shoulder,
a stroke on the cheek,
i laugh at your face
adding warmth to your uncertainty.