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