Your appearance
The first time
Ever I saw you,
Startled me, so unexpected,
The sight of you left me
Speechless,
Dumb, tongue-tied;
I could not form a sentence.

How long
Before breath returned,
Before I could close my mouth,
Smile,
Say hello,
Not stand like a dolt,
Stupefied, but
Function like a sentient being?

My mind,
Flush with thought,
Behind my face,
Red with embarrassment.
You enchanted me and took my voice.
You looked at me and held my eyes.
Your presence
Lifted my heart.

I mumbled at last,
Something garbled, I’m sure;
Bashful, I stammered,
Shuffled my feet,
Head down, then a smile,
I found my voice,
I gave you my hand,
I remembered my name!