I Fell for Him in Summer

first love should not be a bane of senses,

but I was a kid who knew no better

because he shattered all my defenses:

I forgot my name down to the letter.

*

he was that boy who gave me time of day—

the jock, the cool kid, charmer incarnate—

and I didn't know then what I might pay

just to have him as my own for a date.

*

his calming manner soothed me in soft waves,

like caresses of skin at touch of dusk,

and I knew the kind of love note that saves

though I thought heartbreak would leave me a husk.

*

but I didn't give him chance to say no

because I gave up before he could know.