by Lisa Darcy
Shaking, I move closer and pause.
My mouth is dry and my palms damp.
Each step is heavy and lifting each foot requires devotion.
Eye contact sends my heart racing.
The stars are bright and glistening as we sit and hold a warm cup of tea.
Any other day sitting under the stars would be pure elegance.
Tonight, with the proximity of this energy my body shivers.
The blanket is warm and soothing.
It is unexpected, and yet inevitable.
The dialog is easy and almost childlike in its simplicity.
Vulnerabilities are shared.
The stars smile back and twinkle.
Intimacy comes in many unique forms.
Kissing, holding tight, the merging of bodies.
Giggling, fighting, apologizing.
Tonight the unexpected is joining this conversation.
The simplest expression ignites a massive spark.
No turning back, an effortless gesture.
I reach for his hand, and he gently replies.
Our eyes meet and our entire bodies respond.
Years have passed, and the spark still lives.
Glowing deep inside my being.
Empty, my hand lays silent.
The stars continue to twinkle.
Lisa Darcy is a life-long seeker of equity, human rights, and opportunity for all community members. The contributions she’s made are the result of incredible mentors who have inspired the cautious courage peeking out from behind her rib cage. shareyourmana.org