Erin Snedeker
Movie Night

How delirious it is to feel so intensely
That you must clutch the arm of your loved one
And bury your face in their shoulder
And squint your eyes tightly closed.
Buttered popcorn falls from your lap to the sticky floor
The speakers make the seats rumble
Your tongue is sweet from soda
And all the things you want to say at once.
How wonderful it is to have your hand encompassed
Safe and protected inside the hand of your date
He squeezes your fingers and gives you a side glance
You smile and a warmth fills your chest.
The moment passes, the movie rolls onward
You settle back into your seat
The thrill of the date and the movie
Makes your head light.
Emotions have always made your body burn
Made your throat tight, your eyes sting
Made your knees and hands tremble
Made your voice soft
What great terrible sadness you have felt
And what wonderful, wild, bright happiness.