Gentle Journey

gentle journey

he caught the distant echo

of her laughter,

borne on the humming current

in the bustling hall,

of the crowded indoor shopping mall.

her sweet melodic voice

was music to his ravenous ears,

as he was alone and starving

for the beauty that was hers.

when she had tired

of window browsing and

visiting with her friend,

who walked and talked

comradely at her side,

he followed them,

(as they said their good-byes

and parted ways)

as if smitten or obsessed.

in the dawning of the twilight

he matched her pace

stride for stride and

step by repetitive step.

then, in the frosted evening air

she sat down on a park bench,

of designer metal and wood

to rest and catch her breath.

he summoned his courage,

catching up with her

closing the distance

excusing himself,

he asked her permission

to seat himself in her proximity.

a pleasant conversation

was engaged by both

as they smiled reciprocally

enjoying the others company.

she never felt the clawing heat of his hunger

or sensed his need and longing

for the touch of human kindness,

as she had her own similar needs.