Before I knew you
There was nothing about you that screamed
"We're meant to be."
But there was something intriguing
(maybe it was the beard, but I don't think so)
Just a stolen glance every now and then
At you
Standing across campus
Smoking a Marlboro and talking with your hands.
I never thought I'd hear you tell me
That you were sad you never noticed me earlier.
I never knew I would be so nervous walking up to you
For our first date.
And I never thought that I would be so calmed at the
fact that you were shaking like crazy.
You were nervous, too.
I didn't believe that anyone could knock down the walls I had built--
They were tall and strong, but you blew them down
Like they were made of thin paper.
I didn't think I'd ever hear you whisper
"you're beautiful"
As you drifted off into sleep.
I didn't think you'd leave so suddenly
Telling me "you'd miss me"
And as you left,
I asked if you thought there was a future for us.
Your response was
"Of course... Who else am I going to do karate in the garage with?"
I didn't know I could fall in love that fast
Or that deep.
Or that I could trust someone with my heart
After what others before you had put it through.
I didn't think we'd ever be more than strangers
But we were.

And that screaming I never heard before?
I hear it constantly now that you're gone.
And since we're being honest here...
I'm worried I'll hear it til you return.