The vulnerability and excitement of a first date for young adult love. This poem is part of a series, Wilted No More, that reflects my life story and is a sequel to The Wilted Rose book. Both tell the story of significant events in Grace's life - falling in love, falling out of love, marriage, divorce, and motherhood.

Grace's relationship with Alex only lasted one year. Melbourne, Victoria, was too cold for her as her puppy love for Alex had grown cold. She returns to Brisbane, Queensland, shares a flat with a friend, secures a full-time job, and buys a car.

She goes to a disastrous Christmas party, with Brian as her blind date, a friend of a work colleague. This poem reflects their first romantic date together as young adults. Love is in the air once more for Grace. Beverley Joy.

The first date

The clock was ticking, I was waiting to hear your footsteps at my door

So romantic, so debonair, I basked in your adoring flair.

As you entered into my world, I nervously tripped on my words

Awkward glances, friendly banter.

I said too much, I went on and on revealing my heart, opening my soul

It left me feeling vulnerable, 'Will I regret it tomorrow?'

I came out of my shell feeling happy and whole

But is that the me that he wants to see?

Throughout the date, we reminisced over common interests and music

We shared our stories of adventures and dreams, past, present, and future.

'Am I over the top? Was I too much? Will he reconsider or prefer someone else?'

I’ve lived my life as a captive bird; now the cage is flung open, I’ll fly upward

It feels so strange, so alien, that I might fly back in and hide again.

No one ‘knows’ me, I don’t ‘know’ myself, but I like what I feel, it’s exciting stuff.

Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry 2012. All rights reserved.

Read or listen to my poems on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Pinterest, ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠and at ⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠

Thank you for listening. Beverley Joy.