tales tell of ships sailing,
of great battles fought for a glimpse
of smiles less brilliant than yours.

I'd have stayed if you'd asked,
my discomfort forgotten,
basking in the glow of your presence

instead I'm sitting in my car
listening to jazz
pulled over to write to you
as I don't think I ever have,
wondering when I'll see your smile next.

(originally published at http://www.swinney.org/journals/article.phtml?id=3778)