First Beginnings

Poetry by Philip Miller

Afraid I’d once again repeat the same
mistakes, I told myself slow down — but you
weren’t exactly spared either, admitting
second thoughts and more over the phone.
Lovers’ handbook, rule number one: when in
doubt, seek eye contact, real and unscreened
lest we forget the once-upon-a-time
art of courtship (you can read about it).
The secret I have learned is not …