It started with a simple act of kindness, and perhaps sympathy
You took that bold step and joined my empty table at lunch
Your tray piled with pepperoni pizza and canned fruit
My homemade sandwich wrapped in a fold-top plastic bag
“Mind if I join you?”
“Oh, no of course not…”
Shock and surprise pulsed through my veins
Curiosity followed
Silence lingered, quickly shattered by simultaneous inquiries
We laugh, holding our articles of food, and glance sideways
Embarrassment paints my cheeks bright crimson
“I’m sorry, what’s your name?”
“Romeo. And you?”
“Juliet.”
And suddenly, it was as though we were the only ones in the room
Dancing to a waltz with synchronized steps
I catch myself staring into your forest green eyes, sparked with the touch of sunlight
I pretend to look for an invisible friend
“I’ll be right back…I have to throw away my trash.”
I crumple up my plastic bag and the bread crusts, ready to rise
You take the items from my hand
“No, let me.”
And take off before I can utter a word
My palms moisten; my heart stirs within my chest
“What’s wrong with me? I think I’m coming down with something…”
You return and I snap out of my daze
And it’s as if I cannot look away
Your very presence captivates me
And I sudden realize that this
may be what love feels like