Some of the most awkward introductions 
have turned into oddly 
the best friendships for me. 
There was no instant approval,
no mental clinking of glasses, 
maybe even a general resistance.
We had ideas painted on each other 
in the colors we believed the other was.
We had assumptions 
& invisible ruffled feathers.
My personality takes time to fully appreciate 
& good goodness & luck
have I fucked up before 
but oh, can I love.  
All the sides of me come out 
steadily 
& I too continue to be happily surprised 
by the changes in my eyes,
by my evolving perspective
of who I thought somebody was.