I smile at you across the deli counter
woman, shy smile
and you,
old man
face arm, sun dappled
and leave my mind to wonder
at the rose that would not die
full open alive,
each December
for thirty years it bloomed
on a bush in front yard
of my youth
my Roslyn of
undulating hills
pendulous branches
elephant legged beech trees.

across the hall
our eyes glance off each other
as we pass
as we disappear down hollow hallways
don't mind me as I plash
a wave
a rock
all elements
don't you see?
you don't have to yield
I shall not forget this moment
the world effecting its way
through me, a balm.
nor will I cast aside my forcefulness,
or my belief in this world
I must chant the chant of a lover:
I am a child
quivering
I seek no answers
I smile at you across the deli counter
and you smile back perfection, softly.