Maybe Somday, Probably Never

Just my thoughts on the man who sat next to me on a flight home one night. I never got the courage to ask for his contact information - a fact I regret.

I shuffled awkwardly, gave my carry-on a tug

Just a few more steps…

Oh! He looks like a friendly face.

The smart, educated man with the glasses

In a button-down shirt with subtle stripes

He didn’t notice me until I spoke.

“Excuse me?” I gestured politely, shyly.

“27B?”

With quickness he leapt up

Gave a smile.

Gestured to the seat at the window.

He was visually distracted

A little startled

But his smile held sincerity.

That’s what I noticed most.

 

Mr. Sophisticated was from New York City

Divorced, bitter toward the Big Apple.

But clearly personified the

Not-quite-middle-aged-professional

One step short of the dream job.

 

We talked. We laughed.

Compared real-estate prices

From here and there.

 

That was many days ago.

And I still wonder about him.

How’s life at the office?

What’s your take on the Senate race?

And how about those Red Sox?

I couldn’t believe he’s a fan.

He would have been the perfect café buddy

That’s for sure.

 

But I’ll never see him again.

Unless, by chance,

Someday we cross paths

In dreary New York City.