On the Patio

For days in the wake of meeting the man

I was haunted by his lingering image

Our encounter was brief and utterly cordial

He instigated the chummy contact

Glad-handing his way across the flagstones

Showing an interest in the eremite

Slouching behind his squaretop altar

A pleasant convo ensued as he hovered

Angel of mercy in the sunlight

Pitying devil, perhaps, in hindsight

What was his motive? Honest or careless?

An extrovert swoop or a selfish ruse?

I lack the means of measurement

To judge a person's true intentions

All I can do is nod and smile

And peer beyond the banalities

Down corridors of mirrored maybes.