she likes the color yellow

chances not taken

she stands proudly.
her skin warm
like coffee
with some milk and sugar

her stretch marks
are beautiful.
I want to kiss them.

hazel-green eyes
hiding behind
thick frames
stare at me
with innocence sparkling
like chocolate diamonds.

i tell her
"i got laid off"

she apologizes
even though...
it's not her fault.
her soul is soft, kind.

i tell her
"i've had my eyes set
on this tiny, red
fire extinguisher
for my room.
i might steal it
after we close
the store"

her laugh fills me.
the giggle resonates
in the hall.
she snorts.

ha! I made her smile.

her pigtails bounce
when she shifts legs.

a cute boy walks by
she blushes.
yes, he's cute,
but will he hear
you laugh?

she's straight,
and i wish i could
tell her the truth.
I could be her man.
but... i'm too weak.

she cripples me
like dynamite in a mine.

i don't want her
eyes of gold to judge.
i'd rather stay friends
than tell her the truth
and watch her leave.

i tell her
"the secrets
of the universe
can be found
in your soul, baby"

but, she never hears me
because i never spoke
the truthful words
out of fear.