my first awkward slow dance

like a maverick i had the target on lock
goose had the ugly duckling
everything set, i walked over
reciting the lines i've been whispering
under my breath ever since i bought my ticket

"do you want to dance?"
i asked the floor beneath her feet

i hear a yes.
i look up with a smile
slightly more confident
longing since the first day of class
to extend my arms just slightly above her as..waist
the insides of my elbows tickled
from the cool gym air
as the scent of her hair
tingled those of my nose
and i know she was feeling
the cologne i borrowed from dad's cabinet.

and we danced circles
counterclockwise i think
as i admired the architecture of my gym
that was so beautiful it made my skin cry
hoping she didn't notice
the nervous wiping motion
against her back
i shot an awkward smile to distract her
and she looked down in horror
and i looked down in horror
cause the f-16 tomcat
launched an unauthorized missile attack