Emmalynne Shumard
I don’t think you understand
I’ve never been in love
I don’t know what it is
to hold a hand
or receive a kiss on the cheek
or curl my fingers through your hair
(but I want to)
Leaning against you feels bold
(feels brave)
Your arm around my shoulder
is a daring movement
You say kind things
and it baffles me,
say I’m wonderful
and unique
and pretty
I know all these things,
but how you do
I’ll never understand
Where did you learn
to laugh at my jokes?
How did you guess
my favorite color?
We are strangers
and you act like
there is more
between us
(will be more)
I can’t imagine kissing you
(I imagine kissing you)
All I am
is a riot of confusion,
a confession
of an innocent mistake
“Love me,” you say,
with every reaching hand
and soft word,
and I grieve over the promises
you want to make
Don’t let me
practice affection on you
Don’t let me
sing to your song in the car
or smile with your friends
Don’t tell me
I mean something
You looked out
and wanted someone
and picked me on a whim,
I know it
(I know it)
That doesn’t mean I’m ready
to return in kind
(be kind)
I don’t think you understand
(I’ve never been in love)
I’m not in love with you