Before a First Kiss (poem)

In the moments before a first kiss,

there is an uncertainty in the air:

will it happen?

What happens next?

But we make decisions unknowingly, chasing desire,

we don't know how this will end,

whether we will come to regret it,

so we just blindly hope it ends well.

Too often it ends badly.

Some break apart and return like clockwork,

the repetition of counting seconds driving them mad.

Others fight and shatter picture frames,

the violence in them scarring love forever.

Some are driven apart by the deep whispers,

love turned to shame, guilt, and disgust.

So many of us have yet to see it end well,

yet we endure and dream of better times.

If we were too rash about it,

then we will learn to be too cautious.

I have waited until I was absolutely certain,

only to be left reminded of my foolishness.

After all, if we cannot truly know ourselves,

then how could we ever know the future?

In the moments before a first kiss,

we choose to brave absolute uncertainty,

either out of courage or carelessness,

knowing that it probably won't last.

But no bird learns to fly without trying,

even though they are designed for flight.

So too will we never learn to love

if we are not foolish enough to try.

-Zero