I hastily entered the elevator,
my mind focused on my meeting
atop the 24th floor.
Walked to the rear and turned,
putting my back against the wall.
The car mostly full.
She stood next to me, slightly in front
close enough that I could smell the sweet
bouquet of her body and hair.
More riders boarded the car nearly full,
She pushed up against me a little,
turned just her head and smiled,
apologizing softly.
Her freshly washed hair was piled up upon
her head, swept back on the sides, up off
her neck, held in place by a pair of tortoise
shell combs, with but one brownish blond
stray lock hanging loose, resting upon
the collar of her yellow summer dress.
A small single pearl earring adorned each
of her lobs. Her profile was enchanting, the
curves of her slender neck enticing, and inches
from my face. I closed my eyes and breathed
deeply her essence, just as the doors on the 14th
floor intruded.
Half the riders exited the car and though there
was more room, neither of us moved from where
we stood. I could feel the warmth of her body
on my right thigh, my hip, my chest.
The 20th floor was hers, the doors opened,
She took one step, half turned and smiled
at me, her eyes were of the deepest blue as
if lit from within. And then she was gone.
On two other occasions, I explored that 20th
floor, seeking by chance, to find her, without
success. It has been many years since that day,
and still, like a photograph, her image, even
her scent; earthy sweet like lavender in bloom
are etched forever into my memory.
And yet, I never saw her again.
"Ships that pass in the night", or the light of day.
It happens to us all, on the street, through a store
window, on a plane or train, people passing,
a quick glance of notice turned into a poem
we carry for perhaps a lifetime lived.