First Date

By Layla Lenhardt

 

We are at the top of the cemetery, sitting

on a bench that kneels on the side of the

 

lonesome hill overlooking the city.

Your pinky is two inches from mine.

 

I could move my hand if I wanted.

And I want. I want. I want. But instead

 

I point out landmarks on the horizon,

revel in your driving. Let October

 

shake me. The need to know

you, silencing my feral heart.

 

 

​​​Layla Lenhardt is a Gemologist and author of Mother Tongue (Main Street Rag 2023). She has been nominated for The Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net. Her work has most recently been featured in Pennsylvania Literary Journal and October Hill. laylalenhardt.com