At first, a handshake
strong and calm
our pendulum of arms
like a wary snake
hovers over broken borderline

In the airless midst of palm
on palm
your life line comes across mine
peaceful sounds can be heard
“nice to meet you” and “likewise”

Then a familiar resonance builds up
turning feeble words
into daring leaps of faith it grows
“what a lovely name you have”

Finally
with the “I’ll see you”
our separated hands wave
and thoughts of meeting again soon
from then on begin to groom

These are the fine gestures
of a perpetual nature
that may outlive us


Copyright ©2004 Luminita Suse