In crowded halls, I walk with care,
Averting eyes, pretending not to stare.
My heart beats fast, my gaze so shy,
As she passes by, I feel butterflies.
I talk of boys and laugh along,
A well-rehearsed and practiced song.
My secrets kept in shadows deep,
Locked away where none may peep.
When friends discuss their latest crush,
I nod and smile, hiding the rush.
In stolen glances, brief and sly,
I catch her smile, and then I lie.
At sleepovers, we share our dreams,
Of future loves, or so it seems.
I bite my tongue, I guard my truth,
Afraid to lose this fragile youth.
But in the quiet of my room,
I dream of love that breaks the gloom.
Of holding hands and being free,
To love her openly, just to be me.
For now, I wear this careful guise,
A mask that hides my yearning eyes.
But deep inside, my heart holds on,
To dreams of love in the coming dawn.
© Susie Stiles-Wolf