I would have forgone the sun
and the lavender for the
inclement waters of Mallow.

I would have been happy on
the opposite side of the street
just to catch the occasional
glimpse as she passed by
the window -

as an intermittent wiper dashes
at the first sign of fresh raindrops
then quickly rushes back in
preparation for the next sweep,

is how it was, fleeting, yet I had
every intention of pursuing what
my passionate nature desired.

But on this visit, she had gone!

Other than now, it has been
      a secret unshared!