FIRST LOVE

standing in the doorway while watching your shadow emerge
from among the flakes of diffuse white and amber incandescence
frozen specks peppering your fresh face and dark tresses
with fallen stars dancing upon the winter wind
to the steady beat and willful purpose of your footsteps

closing my eyes in the moment you leap into my arms
and we stumble across the threshold
in frantic and unfamiliar embrace
your scent is of cinnamon and honey and sage
your soft and chilled lips brush my cheek
stirring my blood and rousing my senses

your warm and breathless whisper next to my ear
grants me permission and resolute confidence
to unlock every promise of my unrealized potential

you are the first love
of my new year