my skin remembers the subtle sting of your hand in mine stringing me along city sidewalks, like a pinky promise you weren't sure you'd keep. because you were never sure about me, which made me want to be sure about you.
i wore my feelings like a favorite dress
to your six-foot story building.
explored every compartmentalized nook,
finding similarities tucked underneath differences.
showed myself around,
following every butterfly and what-if.
stumbled through this house of mirrors,
looking for ways our imperfections could fit.
enamored with every quirk,
talking options over coffee.
i was willing to take the chance
but you stayed on the fence,
for the poetics of it all
didn’t match the blueprint in your head.
a rational mind may not fall for a romantic heart
but oh they’ll dance.
i know that tango well.
it’s in that waltzing around.
that back and forth.
that push and pull.
that pulls me back to myself,
the only thing i can be sure of.
the one thing i know
won’t sting.
