Previously published in the 2008 edition of Kudzu: A Literary Magazine.

He leaned in, pressing words to my ear
A whispering of secrets he could only share
Behind a rail of coats dangling limp on wire hangers.
Eyes clouded by confusion, I followed him there
Where he lay dry lips against my cheek.

He leaned in, giggles spilling in the air,
A laughter of nerves and inexperience
In the hay-covered loft of his parents’ barn
My iron will left unrewarded, unsatisfied
By wet lips chanced frightfully against mine.

He leaned in, pressing lies to my ear
A whispering of sorrow for our date gone wrong
Staring intensely to hide his wandering eye,
But I kept my heart still and unyielding,
Cold and bitter as our first and only kiss.

She leaned in, spilling vodka on my jeans,
Laughing as she fell hard on the back porch step.
In wonder and admiration, I followed her there
Raising my hands to cradle her face
Finding my lips as hungry as her own.

He leaned in, taking my hand in his
Gazing deeply in my eyes with heavy breaths,
Stealing my mouth without preamble
Stealing my breath without a warning,
Claiming his keep with a rapturous kiss.