the first time

clear,

your name rings through my mind 

and your song fills my throat. 

for the first time, 

the name does not grate my ears

nor does the song I lift choke me.

for the first time, 

my love is not alone,

unrequited.

sometimes,

while making eye contact with your pristine black converse,

I ask you why,

why you want to be near me.

after all, this is the first time.

with wet eyes 

and a smile suggestive only of docility

you reply

"because I love you."