First glance caught by whiteness
Of teeth unfolded by laughter, of he
Who was surrounded, in conversation
With curious people hanging,
On every word of his brightness.
Deflecting my attention I ordered
A Ti’ Punch. As I waited eyes compelled,
To return to previous image, focus
Lost, he was gone. When impulsively I began
To search for him frantically, I knew.
Felt his imposing body behind me,
Turned around and recognised myself
In him, as he looked at me as I do,
When the mirror’s eyes reflect
Tenderness and let me know, they love me.
Dilated pupils immediately desired,
My lips to meet his only impeded
By decency, as he commands a rum
Asking me who I am, intending to listen.
I speak in a voice not mine, delicately softer.
His, a thunder, deep and beguiling,
Soothing to my ears, giving rhythm
To my heartbeat. Fascinated
By everything about him, his candour
And politeness, his interest and knowledge.
Sharing feelings for humanity, views
On the world, politics and the news,
Giving insight to discussions, offering
Different perspectives, enriching me
By the minute, as I absorb his essence.
He saw right through me, uncondemning
My compassion, undismissing my emotions,
Respectfully regarding me his equal,
Aspiring to be a little more like me, as I
Aspire to be a little more like him.
Closed the bar together, walked
The night streets laughing, in his bed
At dawn the light beams shining,
Heated bodies, in his arms enveloped
Ever since, my voice delicately softer.
[Featured painting: Bar in Copacabana by Juarez Machado (b.1941)]