first kiss

i was twelve

waiting behind the gauze blackout curtains

buzzy brain hollow do I have to pee? but i just did  

typecast:

a young girl doomed, still believing

in spite of everything

that people are really good at heart.

what if I forget

opening night and parents in the audience and

suddenly you against me,

looming aftershave.

i waited for you to whisper last minute advice, or break a leg or whatever

but you tilted my chin up, vise thumb and forefinger.

see,

i was twelve so i don’t remember your mouth

other than open below your mustache-bristle,

and that somehow,

i knew not to tell the others.