2006 Roquillo Award Winner

A Stranger in a Blazer

Samantha Brown

I pause with the crowd
that I’ve drifted along the sidewalks with.
Standing on the cement
littered with wrappers
cups, shoes, and debris,
my gaze wanders across the street
past the cars rolling along,
apart of what had become a raging metal river.
I see a pair of eyes staring back towards mine.
Surprised, I blush and try to look away.
He smiles.
I look around to see
if maybe he isn’t staring at me.
I look back again and he nods.
I smile.
From where I stand, I can see
His brilliant green eyes
Are set in a visage with features so soft and sweet,
Enhanced by his dark blazer.
I can’t help but admire and stare.
I stand, transfixed,
but only for a moment more.
Then, I’m jerked away from his gaze
by an anxious crowd crossing the street.
Traffic hums in anticipation
as the people pour from the sidewalks.
I see his dark hair
bobbing amongst a sea of other shades.
We approach each other.
He smiles once more and I smile back.
We slow, both wanting to stop,
but we are carried along by our different crowds,
like passing vessels at sea.
I reach the other sidewalk and glance over my shoulder.
He glances back and waves
I wave and then turn
experiencing a fleeting moment of longing,
but then we go our separate ways.
I pause and smile, recalling our brief encounter.
‘Stranger in a Blazer’
I think, amusing myself
and continue along