ROMANCE Poem: An Evening in June, by Alexander Mandel

I met her at the door
on that warm June evening,
and we headed into town.
I did not know what to say then
Both from my nerves
and the towering language barrier that divided us.
Even if I could say something, would she even understand me?
The train brought us right to our destination,
some katsu shop at the station.
Would she like the food? Did I pick a good spot?
She seemed happy, at the very least,
or so I could infer.

Despite the language gap
we made awkward small talk
throughout the meal.
We talked about family,
hopes and dreams,
life and culture.
It was strange but cheerful.

Macarons on a peaceful evening
shared atop a ruined castle
Seemed right to continue the mood.
Nighttime city views
melded with flavor of the dessert.
The perfect moment had come.

My heart was racing as I prepared the words.
「付き合いたいですか？」

She said yes.

We headed into the mountains
To view the basin from afar.
A vast lake of twinkling lights below
Mirrored the stars in the sky.
I cast the awkwardness of the evening into that sea
And love blossomed above the city lights