nineteen

I remember the thrill of you-
your nerves
and excitement
and apprehension.
I could see all the wonder,
everything you must have thought
for all those twenty minutes
and throughout the night we shared that twin bed.
And in the morning,
when you kissed me hello
and goodbye
I walked, proudly, home
and wore their stares
and whispers
and laughter
likes badges of honor
all the way to my small room
with the window that faced the brick wall.