you call them wildly wonderful

admittedly not in the beginning
removing the presence of humanity
takes a focused attention
when the eyes lock into one another
and only two souls inhabit the universe

those moments when i throw off the shackles

of the protocol surrounding us

as when i do that gentle upper shake

holding my arms out, hands drooping

i break into an Elvis rendition of

I Want To Be Your Teddy Bear

that was in the meat section

then there was the scene 

in the produce section

Chance Are, Johnny Mathis

i was worried you might be planning eggplant

raw vegetables make me nervous

the ones you prepare 

a whole different ball game
then there was that time in the bakery
Can't Take My Eyes Off You, Frankie Valli
throwing my arms wide, You'd Be Heaven To Touch
having your eyes upon me like that
that Duchenne smile
my moment for the world to know

but yes i am grateful to that spark in me

that becomes a conflagration

at times when the world seems placid 

it becomes my time

to remind you, i never take it for granted

you are so gracious understanding

i still have to woo you

flowers, candy, cards, hallmarks of amateurs

i quickly moved into the professional category

the day i sat you on a bench

this would be different until the end of time
Artemis would return to a feasting table
have laid the gods at your feet
i am watching a lot of Joe Cocker
practicing, every movement, the cashier line
You Are So Beautiful
and i keep these moments rare for a reason
the rarity you are in a commonplace world 

6/14/19