be patient
i’m not just saying that
as if it’s cliché
i’m afraid of you
and i need time
to delve into you
to trust the look in your eye

i know how many times
i’ve fallen for you
and i know when it’s time
to feel the way
your fingertips feel
when i imagine them
walking toward me

i am nervous to see you again
always. why? because
you paid attention to me.
we sat on the beach and you
listened, and you let yourself
lie down and watch
the sunset with me
until it went down.
completely

© r.e.l. 1/21/16