Rapid heartbeats

Quick breaths

I can barely contain myself

When you pass.

Soft voice, smiling eyes

You have no idea what do you to me.

A little shy but that's okay,

I'm not outgoing myself.

I'd rather be your secret admirer

And watch you from afar,

Than say outright how I feel

And face rejection head-on

Without courage and hope.

So if you read this

And return my feelings,

Don't tell anyone,

So I don't have to change.

-Atania Brathwaite

Written on September 25 2012