Waiting

Given the option, I flee.
Given the chance, I avoid.
Even when plied with alcohol and heavy water,
Given the moment, I retreat.

Trembling and unrefined,
heavy feet have lead to cold fields
rimmed in humming yellow lamps.
Thrumming hard, a heart
coward.

Before, the promise of strength
and rough lips have set
a thrilling tightness bore
away in the act itself.
Terrified.

But you.

Given strength by a man
at your back, slicked with water,
found a burst of force.
To grab and clutch,
to hold body to body,
to kiss.

Finding your mouth as frightened
as my own, quick breathed,
you smiled, quelling my trepidation.