I had watched you
for six small months
wondering
who you were by yourself at night
who you were when you woke up in the morning
who you would be if you were my friend

then, one tiny Monday
for one brief half hour of hope
I was with you
you were on my left
sitting easy, smiling brazenly

i was an infant
who could not walk or speak
my legs tangled and rebelled
like defiant children
my tongue forgot all words except “cool”
my self-confidence fled
laughing at my sudden and violent unease

your initials scrawled on my shoe
flew in front of my eyes
seeming six feet tall
how could you miss them?
I tried to rearrange my anatomy so my feet would disappear

I wondered –
where had my ego gone?
where was my quick and eager wit?
my poise?
my crash and caffeine rush
personality?
I wanted to shout to you
Here I am! Exceptional Person!
but I was silent
and you were vibrant and sparkling and loud

then,
the sweet syllables
twisted and turned and tasted
you finally said my name.