POETRY

On Meeting a Lady

Life is a near-death experience

Just as men clasp hands in greeting to show no threat nor malice meant, match her glance at your first meeting to prove your gentle temperament.

You must look deep into her eyes to find the kinship cowered there, before you’ll hear familiar sighs, before her soul to you she’ll bare.

You cannot falter in your haste and let her know your true desire, to touch her heart, caress her face, draw warmth from her internal fire.

Lift your gaze from a lady’s form when at first you chance to meet her, so later, when the mood is warm, you may study her at leisure.

Jim Dutton © 2021