55: First Meeting

We chatter away, rushing to fill the awkward empty spaces
His foot taps the air rhythmically as he struggles to control his nerves
My hair blows across my face for the umpteenth time
As I wonder about the wisdom of sitting in the open air for this meeting.

It’s too late to turn back now,
The ink of that first impression has already dried
We are committed to this awkward dance for the next hour or so
Sizing each other up, assessing, looking for clues
Trying to relax, not wanting to accidently upend the drinks
Or cause some other embarrassing faux pas.

Suddenly he smiles, and the nerves are gone
He laughs revealing a perfect row of beautiful white teeth
This won’t be hard after all
I think I’m going to enjoy this.

The what-ifs have vanished now
Our very different lives supply us with plenty of fodder for conversation
There are new things to learn on each side
Time takes wing while we explore each other’s life and character.

All too soon we are saying goodbye and going our separate ways
Each wondering about the other
The euphoria of the meeting dissolves as the day closes
This part of a new beginning is tricky to negotiate
Waiting and wondering, eager for signs of a positive reaction
Requires patience I rarely feel at this time.

Sleep now
A new day begins in a few hours
Anything could happen…

Lady Satellite