The Restless Poet

Why must my mood hinge on my midnight escapades and whether or not you accompany me on them? The morning light was cleansing as I woke with a cheerful outlook on the day. My attitude prodding me to misbehave and find amusement in everything.

My sleep was delayed last night. I arrived home late and my nighttime responsibilities took longer than usual as my mind was distracted with the conversations swirling from earlier in the day. I couldn’t sleep, a slight chill creeping under the covers, warmth eluding me. I was unable to relax and I believe the chill was more from fleeting thoughts of all that is us.

I started to feel the effects of Sandman’s dust in the moments before dawn. I requested a visit from you in that brief thirty minutes of repose I had remaining before I needed to rise and embark on the day. I was afraid that the time would run away and I wouldn’t get even an ounce of the minute joy I craved. I shouldn’t have worried, my request was granted, a sublime thirty minutes with you meandering through my dream.

It was a Saturday morning, summer heat on the verge of sky rocketing and making everything sticky. I was in and out of shops, stopping to admire the giant orbed hydrangeas, the blues shifting with every step. It was hot, but a tolerable heat, enough pleasantness to want summer to continue. The parking lot was full and as per usual, I was parked at the end where oil-stained pavement looked like a far away lake inviting me for a swim to cool off.

I was leisurely heading to my car thinking if I walked slow enough that time would also stretch and move at a slower, sweeter pace. You were on my mind and with every glimpse of a vehicle resembling yours, my heart skipped a beat. Hope weaving its way through my musings. I almost missed you, I was chiding myself for holding onto longing for the possibility of bumping into each other coincidentally.

And then…there you were. Leaning on your car, a vision of handsome loveliness. You had spotted me first but you waited for me to show recognition. I don’t think this was an accident. You were too well-placed and you had a knowing about you. I froze, trying to contain the enthusiasm without it spilling onto my face. I’m pretty sure you saw the gleam of my pearly whites as my face couldn’t hold back a smile. You didn’t seem as thrilled. You had a look like you were second-guessing your actions. I blurted out, “Can we talk?”, without restraint. A hurried question before time shifted and I missed my opportunity. You relaxed and replied that you would like that. I exhaled. “Finally”, escaping under my breath.

At first I thought you were going to name a time and place in the future or say you would reach out to me to schedule it but you casually added that there was a new place close by that you had been wanting to try. I attempted to measure my response but I allowed the excitement to kick in and agreed immediately. Here it was, a chance – an opening. The moment I had been yearning for in my desires.

The restaurant was in walking distance and I was pleased to get extra time in your presence. We left our cars and headed west, an electric pulse surging as you gently placed your hand on the curved, hollow of my back to guide me. A dream-fueled adrenaline rush that woke me. A morning glow of inspiration keeping the euphoria alive in anticipation of having another chance to complete the scene. Surreal.