Our First and Last

How well do you remember the first time we met? After three years of phone calls, emails, and texts, we came face to face. How awkward, to have lived in a fantasy for all that time, and then to have it become a tangible reality. I waited at the airport, excited, yet pensive. I was so afraid that you wouldn't like the real me. My phone rang and you said you'd be there to get me in just a minute. I sighed, thinking...ok, this is going to be the moment of truth. I took a deep breath and asked where you wanted me to go so you could find me. You said, "Turn around." How well do you remember our very first kiss? It was time to leave you and travel back home. How puzzling was our first meeting. I knew that my love was real, but you wore that mask that you slipped into place so easily. At the airport, I somehow found the courage to ask for a kiss. Truthfully, I didn't know if I'd ever see you again. I stopped and looked into your eyes, "Give me a kiss," I whispered quietly. Was that me; the shy one, asking so boldly to be kissed by the man I loved? The man whose hand I'd not even held. You gave me a little smile, bent your head, and I felt the soft touch of your lips, and the tickle of your mustache. Neither of us spoke as I turned and walked away. I didn't dare turn around. I didn't want to let you see my tears and I was afraid you'd already walked away. Do you remember how much our first kiss was like our last? We stood at the door in awkward silence. How do you say goodbye to someone you'd loved so long? I looked into your eyes, and I knew I'd have to ask, but before I could say a word, you gave me a quick hug and turned to walk away. Your mask, once again in place. Few times in my life, have I ever felt such pain. It was a jagged edged knife that slashed my heart. I reached the door, but your hand took mine. You bent your head and I felt the soft touch of your lips, and the tickle of your mustache. There was no smile this time, but the tears... There was a fire that still flamed, but I turned and walked away. That time, I wasn't ashamed to let you see me cry. This is another day of tears...what would have been our third anniversary. November 25th 2015 Origin: 9/22/11