Majestic 10

(Written in the truck.)

i.
I’ve given up trying to make conversation with my dad.
My mind’s flitting back, back and forward again,
flicking from moment to moment, playing-card memories
spilling from my shaking hands. I’m buzzing,
coming down from a root-beer-
high.

ii.
Where does body, mind merge? You know
the person you talked to online.
Whispered comments, but more said
in the language of movement, of hands.
How long have you been waiting for this?

iii.
You asked if it was okay, and I said
I don’t know. I didn’t. I’d never
done that before. I don’t
have anything to compare against. “Okay”
is relative.

You said I’m sorry
but you shouldn’t be.
I said It’s alright and I
meant it.

iv.
I was as unsteady as you were when we stood up;
I didn’t show it.
I think I was more nervous than you
at the beginning. Could you tell?

v.
This is all new to me.