Out of a routine evening,

one more segment of a life

appearing very similar to

so many others,

come two green eyes

through those swinging doors.

And I take notice.

 

The distractions of the day

are less worthy of my time

as I watch this mystery

move through the room.

I sense something very familiar

yet unmistakably new

in her manner &

how her hair of light colors

absorbs the subtle illumination

& drapes long over her shoulders

in a very comfortable way…

And I feel comfortable.

 

A quick smile she gives

works a pleasant spell

upon my head.

Dormant regions stir & spin.

My mind effortlessly takes notes

as intro material is given out

and as I listen to her voice

ten thousand endorphins settle

into perfect receptor sites.

And I look into that face

for clues…

And wonder what could be there

behind those pools of green.

 

Yet subconsciously

I await the expected parade

of self-promotion

to pass by.

Maybe a litany of the remarkable

& unremarkable for me to endure.

Or a well-worn version of her

own personal-justification perhaps

but often degenerating into desperate

attempts to turn life

into an attractive package

someone might like to buy.

Or simply the ravings of the insane

or overly sane –

incomprehensible

in any case.

 

But from the first minute

with impatient eyes wide open

she demands the truth only

& seems to know the difference.

No additives, no excess

& she delivers in kind.

Her words find their mark

with ruthless efficiency…

and mix easily with my own

as the conversation sways on

to the rhythm of Jim Beam.

And I smile

& reflect on how I have been

unchallenged for so long.

 

Someone’s wristwatch reveals

how quickly the “routine evening”

has marched along.

And so the universal parting rituals begin.

But it was so refreshing –

the time spent so worthwhile,

no feigning of interest needed

not a taxing, torturous moment

to suffer.

I am transformed by her sincere nature

& protective barriers disappear

like whiskey from our glasses.

As we walk into the night

I realize she has touched my heart.

I offer my thanks, a kiss unexpected,

& realize…

Things will never be the same.

–Anonymous