The first thing she does

I adored her from a distance, safely, for the majority of my thoughts and dreams.

I hoped for the day when her smile would turn my way, when a soft gesture would imply she yearned for me too. Being near her and yet invisible is burdensome, nearly unbearable. I know how her cheeks curl leaving dimples when sees a dear friend. The gentle forming crows feet are pronounced as she embraces those she hasn't seen for a while. The first thing she does when she stands up is to slide her hands down her stomach and sides ironing out the wrinkles. She'll tuck the hair behind her ears, exposing a profile that begs her lover's kiss.

I finally shed my fears, abandoning my only safety net. As long as my love for her remained inside of me, she could never reject it. A scornful stuttering, "an, and what did you say your name was?" should never depart her lips. Her kindness temporarily stunned by this stranger stretching out an introduction in strained, disconnected phrases. Wanting so badly for that smile to return. Never able to communicate that she is the envy of every lakeside sunset, where reflection brings the glory of the sun, visible to both the heavens and earth. Yet her thoughts must be churning, not yet sure why she must endure this stammering. His hands uncertain whether they should hide in his pockets or exclaim in baritone unison, "I want to feel the texture of your soul!"

In a valiant attempt I've succeeded in scaring her; no, double that r, she will truly be scarred from this encounter. And what have I gained but an assurance that for some, love is an idea they hope to ponder and to others it is the fabric draped around the world.

In my defeat I turn away and sob a final thought: if her eyes could see my heart and feel the rush of love that courses through my veins for her. If she could hear the song I sing and the chorus that is her name. If I could mute the world and fill it poetry about her.

Then the touch, it could have healed a leper. My shoulder went from sagging forward to a battering ram. A shock wave of vitality ran through my spine. The bells on heaven's gates chimed clear. My name ran sweetly through the air. I turned in fear and gripped by doubt, this must be some mistake. The melody that sang my name became a warm embrace. Suddenly the thoughts and dreams that lay dormant in my heart were revived there on the spot. Her heart had yearned and plead for attention from one who felt the same. Indeed her dreams included me, though she had concealed them all along.