I Didn't Pull Away

We were sitting after dinner

The plates pushed to one side

I kept my hands clasped in my lap

You asked if I was nervous

I said,"No, I'm fine"

You looked at me for a second

Then changed the subject

And let me keep pretending

You didn't ask me

To explain myself

You just stayed

Across the table

I didn't pull away

When your hand touched mine

You gave me room to leave

I stayed there anyway

I don't know what this is

I don't know where it goes

But I didn't pull away

And that's more than

I usually let myself do

You rested one hand on the table

Not reaching

Just there

I looked at it

Then looked at you

You didn't move any closer

So I unclasped my hands

And put one on the table

Between us

Palm up

You waited

Until I moved first

I think that's why

I could

I didn't pull away

When your hand touched mine

You gave me room to leave

I stayed there anyway

I don't know what this is

I don't know where it goes

But I didn't pull away

And that's more than

I usually let myself do

The waiter came for the plates

You moved your glass

But not your hand

I almost laughed

At how normal it looked

Your hand under mine

Mine still there

Like this was easy

It wasn't

But I stayed

I usually leave first

Before I need too much

Before somebody changes

Before I have to find out

If they might leave me

Tonight

You gave me every chance

To move my hand

I didn't

I didn't pull away

When your hand touched mine

You still gave me room to leave

I still stayed anyway

I don't know what this is

I still don't know where it goes

But for once

I don't need to know

I didn't pull away

The plates are gone

Your hand is still there

So is mine