The Kiss

Her heart was banging
Back and forth between her ears,
Pulsing through her body,
Jumping to the water from the tiers.

Her stomach wanted to mock her --
make her laugh like a clown,
make her body twist, make
her head fall to the ground.

Her sickness was not proud,
Her self-mockery undetected.
Her skin failed to let her be strong;
Her emotions failed to last protected.

The quivers eased as her lips parted;
Her hands seemed steady.
This was not her first time,
But the first time she was ready.