Shotgun Wedding

I went to an open mic today with a poem

Sweating nervously, nervously sweating

I can’t believe how many people are here

Cosmic shifts in my stomach, acid reflux

Settling, unsettling, I find it mildly terrifying

Then I remember what you said to me

During an afternoon of tangled limbs

Breathlessly: “All art requires courage”.

Then I put my head to your chest and listened

Sounds of brittle wind chimes, diving boards

You’re already asleep. The pills you take are strong

So I kiss your cheek and go to sleep, too. I am in love.

I went to an open mic today with a poem

Smiling hopefully, hopefully smiling

I can’t help wonder if I’ve made a mistake

Feeling strange, like cereal or wet toast

Settling, unsettling, I find it mildly disheartening

Then I see you from across the room

Sipping coffee. Black. You’re wearing my jeans.

And suddenly, I know how to begin. I found the words

“Home is wherever I am with you”. I am in love.