Emergence: A moment in time

I watched her walk away.

My gaze, a magnet on her stride,

The swagger in her steps, so free,

Hands deep in pockets, stirring things inside.

The whole scene plays on repeat inside my head:

The moment we met, my body took the lead;

A huge, unbidden smile instantly spread,

Her quick return was a felt-and-mutual deed.

A strange intent, I noticed all

Her hair pulled up, her subtle, quiet grace,

The confidence that blue eyes had portrayed,

The knowing look she held on her face.

She would start to speak, then lose the next sound,

That quick lip bite, the smile she tried to hide.

I stepped in quickly, rambling all around,

My heart's drumbeat sped up, swept by a tide.

How long were the pauses, filled with only stares?

The vibe was clear, a music we both heard.

Did she feel it, too, or think me mad? What nerves

Made her adjust the fabric, slightly unnerved?

From my lips to my eyes, her gaze would roam.

Attraction, nerves, or weariness—what is this space?

Her distracting smile, a truth coming home.

Fidgeting softly, bodies in place,

Always turning toward the other's face.

She stood to go, her hand held out to mine,

No sound was shared, and a glance was all we had.

My hand slid into hers like silk, soft and warm,

I swallowed hard, a feeling strange and glad.

A sudden warmth, a river's spread inside;

In every nerve, the electric heat began to run.

She gave a side-smile, nothing left to hide,

A tender squeeze, a victory newly won.

Flustered, I let go; the spell was brief.

My eyes then locked upon the nearby bag.

I bit my lip to hide the sweet relief,

To keep the shock from making my mind drag.

I wanted to tell you, "You are beautiful,"

But standing up, my courage went astray.

A clumsy comment, awkward and unusual,

About a man, I'd said the same one day.

Did you receive the meaning I had meant?

You looked at me, your tone grew soft like silk

"It's okay, it happens," a kind, sweet assent,

Your knowing smile, a secret you would keep.

As I emerge from long survival mode,

The years of hiding start to lose their hold,

My true identity now sheds its load.

My body speaks the truth I've truly owed,

And whispers what I finally want to hold.