I stroll through a sleepy town,
zeroing in on blank faces with downcast eyes.
The chill of autumn is upon us;
I crunch over layers of camouflaged leaves.
My tongue is numb, my palms sweaty, and waiting, I’m waiting
to feel your breath brush against
my mouth, inhaling your lip gloss to my heart’s desire,
but I’m jaded when it’s me alone,
staring in the mirror, seeing what I
like I can’t picture myself.
I’ve got enough self-confidence
to know your insecurity melts in my
arms to a puddle underneath the backseat of a Jeep.
A grin tugs at the corner of my mouth;
passersby crack a smile in return.
(© 2022 AC)