The Woman.... (A  Portrait  Into The Future)

When I saw her....

She was sitting outside
Good Brew Cafe on 4th st

Looking anxiously at her fingernails
Even now I still dont know why I was drawn to her..

Watching her...was like
watching someone I knew well once
but couldnt place the face...

Her dark eyes...seemed clouded
as she twisted her gold bracelet back and forth
absent-mindedly...

constantly looking to and fro...
as if she was waiting for someone
to join her.

It was a bit brisk and I remember
the Burgundy Silk blouse she wore...

Exquisite... and refined...her gray hair
flowing over her shoulders...
I saw the beauty she was
as she smiled at the waiter

He brought her a croissant.
with butter and jelly, I watched
her tenderly prepare her morsel
with eyes that glittered...

I was almost amused at the tenderness
by which she spread the honey butter
delicately touching every curve of the bread
with her knife.

I felt as if I knew this woman...
with her embroidered hand bag
delicate nails and wistful smile

I saw the Beauty she had been
I knew that in her day all eyes
were on this woman
She was a flame...
still burning, as a flower vendor
walked by her and gave her a rose.

It seemed like the essence of her life
was wafting all around her...
an ethereal glow covered this woman and
her entire table....

As I finally past her by to walk into the cafe
She spoke to me...telling me how pretty my scarf was
I looked at my scarf...then I looked at the scarf she had
draped over the chair next to her...
They were identical....

This was a sign to me...
I just hoped that I would be half as beautiful
half as serene, and half
as poised when all my hair was gray....


This woman...
could well have been
a portrait of me...
20 years from now....

As I met with friends
and watched this woman walk away
I secretly hoped
I would be just like her...
Oneday.