The Encounter

Often we meet people and a mutual interest is instant.

The Encounter

We break the ice with platitudes,

ice picks with linguistic blades

and firm oak shafts.

We bow and curtsy

with polished grace

and eyes engaged.

We delve with

soft and quiet questions

like in a tennis court

warm up session.

Courteous, probing

but always ensuring

the return of serve

over the net interest.

We so long to stay

in the cool breeze of

introduction,

to end the stretching of muscles

and play for real,

but our sense of duty,

our idea of protocol

and social etiquette

denies us

the opportunity to linger.

And we part

to never meet again.

 

04/06/15

Reviews

[Robert]

This is true, bull's-eye. I also like the comparison to tennis. What's a coinsidence is a wrote a poem called, The Encounter also. Different from your smooth words here though. I will send you a read request. Nice writing.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thank yous Robert and I look forward to reading your 'Encounter'

[Kelly Scheppers]

Brilliant scenario, John! I loved how you equated this to a tennis match. ...very impressive!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you dear poetess!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i'm a tennis player so i obviously love the tennis metaphor here....so apt.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks Jacob