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George Stephen Stapleton

First Kiss

how the great uncertainty flutters
in the wispy breath of lovers

the first kiss shared
may well be the first kiss ever
the first kiss with a beloved
who strips me down to childhood innocence

upon her lips I cast my heart
not with great expectations
      as I’ve learned can be foolish
not with thoughts of commitments
      that would likely betray me

yet my heart there rests
on her soft open lips
belonging to her if only for a moment

and I can’t help but think
      how nice it would be
to rest there forever