Sitting
With gratitude to Lucile Clifton
A man, two miles ahead, flirts with a woman.
his words flow as honey on a July afternoon.
maybe I should have eaten more honey.
maybe I should have talked to more women,
with the courage and pride of Casanova.
maybe I should have wanted more.
maybe I should have broken the wall in front,
keeping me to myself.
maybe I should have wanted more.
a beautiful woman leans against my bench,
vulnerable. I rise from my seat, cautiously,
and walk the other way.
