The Wait Worthwhile

I waited for you by the bridge like you asked.
Expectant and cheerful, like you'd never let me down before.
I sat, knees to chest, nervous twitching digits on skinny ankles.

Boredom leads to
Playing chicken on the ledge, along a cobblestone path,
I swear we've woven our own with our heavy plodding gait.
It leads all the way down the countryside,
Past pigs, chickens, cows. Drooling mouths filled with cud and
godknowswhat.

Held hands and hanky-panky behind barns
And machine sheds.
Chased off by farm dogs with too much time on their hands
And a nose for mischief.

Converse covered feet, [seem misplaced in Iowa]
Heel toe across our bridge.
Hours pass,
And waiting becomes less of a game.
More of a chore.

[I feel like I've been here before.]

Calloused hands grab tree branches upwards.
Lifting myself higher.
Maybe then I will see your familiar face,
Watch you meander towards me.
Never a care in the world,
My opposite.

Nighttime falls and sweaty hands slip.
In that moment before I land,
[Unlike a cat, I can't get up]
I shut my eyes,
And I see your smiling face.

You make the wait worthwhile.