First

It happens

finally

in the doorway

of a store

in the shopping center

on the way home 

from school both of you 

so frightened, but smiling

as if sharing a secret. 

It's a jeweler shop 

red closed sign nearly

bright in the dusk shade

Friday sun descending fast

like your heartbeat

quickened to the 

moment like

no other after so many 

times imagined, re-imagined 

and then it happens

all at once

like two new magnets

not awkward not strange  

but kind of perfect

after fourteen years

of furious waiting

so sweet and soft

with eyes closed

better even than

all the daydreams

and so

important-

the very first kiss.