dialing back desire
[from strange horizons poems]
let’s say the universe works in mysterious ways
and imagining that
what if a woman showed up
casually
asked to play tennis
not an ordinary woman
not just anyone
a friend
and let’s also imagine
the universe in her mystery
is also capable of delivering you
right at the moment you are ready
whether you think so or not
and just as you’ve said
pause
opt-out
the woman stands up
with a beautiful smile
and some historical knowledge
that could serve as a catalyst
a familiarity
even when whole lifetimes have happened
between your last greeting
so even before the first ball is struck
or skirt worn
there’s a flight of fantasy
a scenario of seduction
and being seduced
because
there is no waiting
no lines
and no other moment
like this one
what if
she’s showed up
because
the universe has finally spun a complete cycle
and brought you back to the restart
try again
listen, look, observe
what if there’s nothing
just an acquaintance
and some new fuzzy yellow balls
that is more than enough
just
the idea
has
potency
i am hopeful
even when letting go
this is no different
this is just a turn of events
a series of events
that hasn’t happened yet
release
there’s no hurry
even if she is the one
if she is
and
she’s here
why
rush
why
hurry through
this
magic
1-7-15
image: spent tennis shoes of the author, cc 2014, creative commons usage
a late start
[from a second wave – poetry]
white convertible porsche
lululemon tennis gear
a pony tail and
an 11 am court time
on a working day
of course there’s a huge rock
and a beautiful smile
and an elaborate
cup of coffee
i could get used to this
if i were
young
beautiful
female
and well-married
10-9-14
eager for the game
[from a second wave – poetry]
i fell in love today 101 times
she’s not amazing or anything
but she’s playing tennis
and i’ve discovered that I love her
every time i return to the back of the line
and i look at her smile
and lulu-fit skirts
something occurs to me
as i’m falling in love
for the 73rd time
she’s just a woman
playing tennis
sure she’s young
she’s pretty and fit
and athletic
but it’s her inside out forehand that gets me
i’ve become aware
on the 84th time i fall in love
that it must be more about me
the smell of the fall air
and the thwack of the balls
that has me
head over heels
on the 98th time
i fall in love
class is almost over
and i’m aching to understand
if there’s something more to it
or if she could also be participating
i ask her a question
she is wonderful
happy, distracted, and…
just a young woman
playing tennis
on a fall afternoon
i am still in love
and will return on friday
to see if she’s as eager
for the game
as i am
10-8-14
bella
[from a second wave – poetry]
she was tan and fit and blonde
and too young
not really my type
but she was holding a tennis racket
as she passed i smelled Mexico
like a fantastic hotel room
breeze blowing in through the curtains
and the sand and ocean still on us
making love on a tired afternoon
burned from the close sun
smiles, tan lines, and laughter
10-6-14
image: tan, emergency break, creative commons usage
