I
a swipe to start
a gif, that's art
emojis > à la carte
a DM here,
snap rely there
oh, see that?
digital romance in the air
months go by
delete & redownload
match, message, flag, blush
validation is a new code
"hello gorgeous"
heart-eye text
but she still wonders
who'll swipe next
long-winded bio
"office" quote
"hey, u up?"
that's all he wrote.
"if you're not gonna message,
don't even swipe right"
a fragile boy's ego
seen nursing a natty light
frat bro vibe
gym selfie's cute
but conversation?
that point is moot.
II
but wait, there's a chance!
it takes more than a glance!
maybe love is digital happenstance?
roommate's cousin's friend-in-law
a love truer than true
all started with the algorithm:
the matches she accrued
she listens to the swipe story
with hope that still abounds!
uploading a new photo
*taylor swift plays in the background*
faithfully, she builds her bonds,
first impressions through the screen
linking up her instagram
where good friends comment "queen!"
i guess he likes the girl he sees
tech-mediated sweetheart
rapport extended back and forth
quick-witted, kind, and still smart
first date planned
"let's grab a drink"
she laughs; he laughs
*virtual clink*
III
time to get ready
there are nerves to be steadied
primping and prepping
hopes she's not overstepping
"what time should we meet?"
fresh-mani types as she smiles
then awaits his response,
ah, courting tribulations and trials!
"it's getting late,
can we do a different night?"
she's sad, but not surprised
it's the twenty-something's plight
his quasi-regretful SMS sent
her gracious reply is reprised
trying her hardest not to resent,
all before the setting spray even dries
she shrugs away the could-have-beens
what's worse: to flake or ghost?
no matter now, the night is young
who cares for oh wells and almosts?
back to the apps
she starts up a chat
it's calming, her habitual judgment lapse
a swipe to start, they're at it again
vicious cycles will continue
until, one day, he'll come along
the guy to dispel doubt within you
