Piper Brown (Salt Lake City, Utah)

The biting wind whips around me
I shiver and shift
Waiting, waiting, waiting
The minutes tick by, cold
My hands start to shake
My whole body trembles
But with excitement, cold, or fear
One cannot rightly say
A lifetime, an eternity, waiting
Too long for an impatient person
Finally I see you walking toward me
Feeling foolish in my dress
Taking your arm, I lead you in
Walking through the doors, people all around
We take the first dance, laughing, smiling, afraid
The night wears on
Dancing with each other, with others, afraid
After the Virginia Reel, I venture outside
Afraid you will live up to your name
Your lips touch mine softly, hearts beating, afraid
Looking deep into my eyes, seeing who I am
So afraid you will find me out, who I was and wasn’t
Meeting your lips again, heart soaring
Hurrying back inside, paranoia
After the night ends, hurry back inside to look
You kiss me when out of sight, cruelty, afraid
Once in the car, you make me smile and smile and smile
Desperately trying not to lean your way
Laughter never ceasing to touch my lips, afraid
After we eat, back in the car
Leaning painfully in order to hide
Me frantically clutching your hand
Aware of the lack of time we have
Cramps form in my hand, I won’t release
I can’t let go, I can’t let go
Fear grips my heart, blood pounding in my head
Don’t let go of me, don’t let go of me!
One last squeeze then release
The time has come to let go
Stepping out to face a world of darkness alone
Afraid