natalie found it

4 Union Square South

How often we overread people

when interest is piqued.

As if every time he looks left,

he looks to see if I’m looking.

As if a casual glance - one that somehow

I can’t meet, shifting my eyes at the last second

feigning interest in whatever’s next to him -

is a hopeful opening.

We shuffle forward, staggered

stealing glances of each other’s baskets

as if its contents will shed light on who we are.

/

Outside it’s started to pour

enormous droplets falling in sideways hatchmarks,

a deep heat rising from the pavement.

I hesitate at the door

turning back to see him hoist his paper bags.

Second-guess paralysis sets in

leaving my heart in my ears and

my pluck at my feet.

In a flash that mimics the trills of lightning

I plunge outside

running from all possibility

of a spark lit by the weather

or an offer to share an umbrella.

I leave all potential behind those sliding glass doors

choosing instead to be drenched, pummeled, and blinded.

/

Because as cold as the storm is

there’s little to misread.

Day 9. #30daysofcreativity