❦Strange Encounter

Dark-haired man

Shoulders broad

Pale coat, bright scarf

A brilliant smile

Across from her, approaching from far sidewalk

Both starting to traverse bedizened shopping street

A somewhat busy intersection — lots of cars, none moving fast —

You look . . . so happy, he says as he draws near

A purple car pulls boldly out, keen to turn the corner now

Rare to see someone like this, he says, the pretty smile

Happiness in the face — his accent slight, obscure

Greek, perhaps? or Portuguese?

Oh — thank you? she says, startled, stepping off the curb

The turning car moves slowly round the bend

Bright tail-lights shine out red

Safe now to go — she crosses past him, steps into the street

Wait! — watch, he says, watch out for cars —

Wait, he says, come off the road

She turns and pauses by the icy curb

Such a smile of happiness, he says

Wait now, more cars are coming —

Where do you come from — originally?

Oh, she says — originally? back east —

Versailles, later, for a while — and you?

I come from Bethlehem, he says, from Jerusalem

Bethlehem! she says

Ah, so — you know Bethlehem! he says

No, not — just, it's . . . Bethlehem, she says

Looks toward too many Christmas lights, too early up this year

Come, come with me now, he says — for cup of tea?

Oh — sorry, she says, I have an engagement.

Are you married?

Yes

Then — he says, smiles still more warmly — I can't

Shakes her gloved hand

So very good to meet you, he says.

And once again she steps into the slippery street.

***