Theresa’s In Love

Strange man, chestnut hair and twinkling eyes,
smiled at her.
A year ago, she would have
pretended not to notice.
A month ago, she would have
smiled, blushed, looked away,
too uncomfortable in her own skin
to be noticed.
Today she said hello.

An explosion of possibility unfolded in her mind.
Morning at the kitchen table, handing him a cup of coffee
while birds sang and she tugged at her bathrobe.
Evenings at the movies, or an Italian restaurant or
ballroom dancing in high heels and a fluttery gown.
Rocking chairs on the porch moving in synchronicity.
All the things long denied finally within reach.

She would not stare at him, passing in dignity, but she smiled.
“Wow, what a hottie.” His friend said.
“Yeah. Wait here. I’m going to get her number.”