I see that look in your eyes
But your hands hang at your sides
I step forward just a little
And you inch away
I was respectful and scared
You tilted your head a little
But never moved forward
I touched your shoulder awkwardly,
Lost my nerve, and walked away

Years later we would meet
With coffee in our hands
On busy Washington streets
Our conversation warm as summer
Sunning my heart
Like a lizard on a rock
You asked me, "Why?"
"Why didn't you kiss me that night?"
I shrugged and touched your shoulder
You go home to your three girls
And I return to my empty house
Sitting at my desk writing poems
My life a necklace missing pearls