Kisses: Intriguing and Mysterious Even at 25

I read that the German language has 30 words that all refer to the act of kissing. And even one word, Nachkuss, for all the kisses that remain anonymous. I often wonder why kissing was the chosen quintessential form of showing affection and passion in humans. Our lips are incredibly inviting parts of our body. Dogs smell each others butts...we humans kiss. I'm glad we chose the kiss.

Here are some thoughts on kisses. Some profound, some not so much.

A girl’s first kiss. The green glass bottle head points at you, just as you secretly hoped and wished with all your strength it would. He looks up, and smiles showing you he also secretly hoped and wished with all his strength it would land on you. As he gets up to cross the room, everyone around the circle snickers in excited anticipation and hidden jealousy. He leans in towards your lips and utter fear washes over your entire body sending tingles that paralyze throughout your blood. His lips touch yours. One second. Piece of cake.

The best kiss of all time. It is a bitter and frosty January night; the kind only Michigan is capable of creating. Snow is twirling around big and soft flakes as you drive home after a fabulous date that you can’t remember, because that is not what is important. He proudly pulls his clunky gray car with silver door handles into your driveway. He holds your hand as you walk up the path to your front door. Under the front door rooftop, the porch light sprays soft yellow light that make your glittery makeup sparkle and twinkle along with the snow flakes. You stop and turn to look at him with the hope of a romantic and innocent 16 year old girl. This is when time around you ceases to exist. As he kisses you slowly and softly, placing his hand gently on your cheek, the snow twirls in leisurely and seductive patterns. Snow globe kisses are eternity.

Drunk kisses. Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy; but seemingly and seriously necessary. You’ve been silently seduced by liquid courage and shamelessly flirting with the boy who likes collared shirts. He tells you he has wanted to kiss you for quite some time and asks permission. Does it ruin the surprise?

Long awaited kisses are the best. These are the kind of kisses that outlast multiple perfect opportunities because nerves are too powerful. The Christmas lights, the ice-skating, the hours and hours of talking and staying up far too late. You stare; he stares, and then looks away or changes conversation. Patience. Waiting to hear the silence spoken through kisses. Even though your love is tainted with past pain and too much experience, this kiss reminds you why you waited so long. It makes your whole soul sparkle and ignite. All the practice you’ve put in from spin the bottle to now, pays off.