The Book

I forgot my book in English today
So I asked if you would share yours with me
An innocent act really

I slid my wooden desk over next to yours
And you placed your book in the middle
The pages fluttering open
Both our hands keeping it open...

As the class began to read line my line
Every person taking a turn...
I don’t even know what we read

I would glance towards you and then look down trying to remember how to breathe
Your closeness to me was overwhelming
The palms of my hands were sweating
And when I swallowed it felt like an apple was shoving itself down my throat

I could feel your eyes on me at times
And my heart would start beating faster and faster
You’d then look away and smile some...

I could feel you
Just inches away from me
Oh, the touch...would it ever happen?

I’ve known you for eight years now
And I haven’t ever though of you in such a way
But this feeling...this trembling I felt caught me off guard

The bell rang and I thanked you in a soft voice and smiled
“Anytime,” you said, taking the book and placing it in your backpack

We all left the room in our different directions
I saw you walk towards the next building like you always do
I had to go the other way
But as I passed you
I looked over
And you were looking at me as you opened the door
Bashful and embarrassed, I looked away as fast as I could and past you by

These simple gestures
Made my heart race today
And I don’t really know why
That, or I’m too afraid to admit why
Either way, I felt something when I was close to you today

I wonder if I’ll forget my book tomorrow...