Year 18
Us just graduated seniors
Have gathered on the beach
In celebration of our accomplishment
The moon high above
A million stars twinkle in the clear sky
Leaving the bonfire
I travel a ways down the beach
Bare feet in the soft sand
I pause upon spotting you seated near the shoreline
Legs bent, arms folded on your knees
At this point
We're not exactly friends
Yet far from being mortal enemies
As though sensing my presence
You look to your left
Studying me before crooking a finger
Within moments, I'm seated beside you
Mirroring your position
My lips part
Yet I'm not certain what to say
I always liked you, you murmur
You gaze toward the ocean
While I gaze toward your side profile
Your cheek appears so soft
That my fingers tingle to caress
Wish I could say the same, I reply
When you chuckle so much
That you toss your head backwards
I grin
A minute after silence befalls
I admit, I like you now though
Another minute or two passes
You begin to rise
Dusting at the seat of your pants
Helping me to my feet
Your fingers find my cheek, caressing
Take care of yourself, Nicole
Your fingers so gentle
I struggle to keep my eyes from closing
A sigh escaping, I peer up at you
You do the same, Keri
I watch as you walk away
Wondering if your kissing technique has improved
