Close Encounters (Poetry)

You never know where it might lead —
that casual glance across
a suddenly not-so-crowded room
attention strangely taken
and imagination
given leave to fly ...

That quick involuntary intake
of breath unsettling
an otherwise ordinary
circumstance
acute awkwardness
all in the blink of an eye

The moment locked into a struggle
with a madly racing heart
that won’t slow down
tongue terrified
of tripping over words
the mouth goes dry

The future looms its shadow
blending oddness into longing
a timid smile emerges
like a stuttered greeting
curious but interest fleeting
attention wanes

fickle fancy passes on by