Erotic crushes need not be obscene;
But they seem overwhelming at fifteen,
When lust and shame lay tangled up in wire
And cool bedsheets become a raging fire

I lived in fear she’d see it in my eyes –
I lived in hope she’d find it in her heart –
But all my clumsy overtures unwise
Could never make her see or hear my part.

Therese, you’ll never read this, so I say
I’m sorry that I looked at you that way.
One thought of you back then – I was a goner:
At least I never acted
With dishonor