I am Afraid

My eyes grow wide

My heart begins to pound

I hear your laugh and my stomach 

Flips upside down

My hands shake

The blood drains from my face

I see your eyes and I’m

Transported back in time.

To cold, dark nights

Dimly-lit street lights

Black rooms at the

Top of apartment flights.

Hands on skin. 

A lack of self-awareness.

My mind is hazy

But I realize this is happening.

I’m afraid now.

Afraid of glances across the room. 

Innocent conversation.

Trust.

Touch.

Love.