She likes toy soldiers with mustaches
and rolling camels from newspapers
(that way she has something to read when she smokes)

She likes spin the bottle at recycling centers
and starting arguments over produce
(she prefers steamed vegetables, you see)

She adores staycations in someone else's house
and dinner theatre for breakfast
(a little Hamlet and eggs)

She likes every other Tuesday
and clocks with only minute hands
(it's more her speed)

She likes hunting for change in penny arcades
and five & dimes
(but not dollar stores...go figure)

She likes soda crackers (but not soda)
She likes beer nuts (but not beer)
She likes wine cozies (well, you know the rest)

why do we care
who follows us
narcissistic popularity
with faceless friends
who we have no hope
of ever catching up with
they’re not coming round
for tea and cake
you’re not cooking dinner
opening the wine
laying the table just right
none of them really give a ****
because like you
they want your likes
like for like
liking you living your best life
in the two second spotlight
of their stream
these are new friends
avatars on a screen
edited to oblivion
so you can barely see
where the cracks begin
we live in the moment
and report every movement
hoping someone will love us
so we can lead them on

BOY

Walking
I saw you
I began to stare for a while
In your book, black hair
Sitting in your favorite spot

My heart skips a beat
Nervousness hidden in a smile
Sweating, hands are shivering
I am unable to speak

But I wonder, what you're reading
I wonder what page you're now
I took a deep breath
We finally said Hi

I don't mean to stay distant
I am unable to move
I fear you'll see through me
I might melt in this space
When I hear your voice


GIRL

Reading
I saw you
I began to stare for a while
In your black shirt, black jeans
Walking through the door

My heart skips a beat
Face hidden behind a book
Redness, enveloping my cheeks
I am unable to speak

But I wonder, what face you're making
I wonder how's your day been
I took a deep breath
We finally said Hi

I don't mean to stay hidden
I am unable to look
I fear you'll see through me
I might melt in this spot
When our eyes meet

BOTH

I might not be able to say it
I might be someone, who'll not know
How our hands feel, intertwined
But I would like to try

I might not be able to say it
My eyes might say otherwise
I am someone who likes you
I wish I could be someone you like.