Almost, Maybe, Someday

I wrote your name

in the corner of my notebook,

doodled tiny hearts beside it—

just in case

you ever peeked over my shoulder.

I practiced saying “hi”

in the mirror,

rehearsed a smile

that didn’t look too desperate,

but every time you walked by,

my words ran and hid

behind my teeth.

You laughed with someone else today,

and my heart did that funny flop—

like a pancake

that landed on the floor.

But I picked it up,

dusted it off,

and told myself,

maybe tomorrow.

Maybe tomorrow

I’ll say hello,

maybe you’ll notice

the heart-shaped sticker

on your locker—

the one I secretly put there

between classes.

Love doesn’t always arrive

with fireworks.

Sometimes, it’s just a quiet hope

that grows a little braver

every day.

And who knows?

Almost might turn into maybe,

and maybe

into someday.