But,

I sat still

Slowing my breathing

Hoping my heart follows suit

I am waiting to hear her breathing

To sense her heartbeat

Hoping she is hoping as I am

We are both promised to others

Not by choice

But, neither of us said no when it counted to do so

Now, right now, it counts to say no

Now, right now, it counts to say other words

Primarily, three little words in a row

Our hands touch

Her pulse accelerates

As does mine

We are horses in the gate

Waiting to be unleashed

Waiting to run away together

But, such a sad word, that word, but

Penultimate to impending despair and miscarriage

But, we could have - should have departed

But, we never departed

Maybe we were never meant to be

But, my pulse still races thinking we are

As does hers