Like a cold, I caught love in seasons
unbecoming of the attire
I’d worn for unknown reasons.
The sun glared from a cerulean sky
and split down the middle of the living room.
Chills of indecision swept
through my curled fingers, typing
messages on dating apps.
Hannah’s profile captivated me
with its allusions to bands
I listened to and books that I’d read.
Too good to be true.
Or was it true?
Either way, I had to know.
In her profile picture,
Hannah wrapped her long, dark hair
around her neck.
Her eyes sparkled as she smiled;
her white teeth
shone over her light tan.
Hannah’s profile suggested
guys ask if they’re interested.
Tightness formed in my throat.
Dishonesty stung like a bee
in late September.
Hannah held my thoughts
captive more than I’d like to admit.
We exchanged messages for two weeks,
and decided to meet at a park.
The essence of pine floated on the autumn wind.
We settled on a picnic blanket.
The breeze pulled her ponytail south,
taking the wind out of my sail.
I stopped in my tracks,
falling head over heels.
Three years after that September,
I forked out cash hand over fist
for an engagement ring.
I stumbled over my words,
and I misheard what she said.
Our eyes locked as we swam in a sea
of endless possibilities.
Our eyes agreed before we cemented
our decision in words.