Standing tall with a flick of your fringe

dreaming of warm cafes on cold winter days,

endearing gazes between two strangers

alive and alone and yet so far to go.

The conversation could turn

to laughter and kisses and future valentines

to hand holdings and picking out toasters.

Could turn to grins and phone calls 

long trips and visits and secrets shared

true friendship.

Could turn to awkward silence

a pause left too long. No filling met.

Could turn too easily from all to none,

a long love, a short friendship, a nothingness never lost. 

But turn anyway, dark stranger

flick your fringe and grin.

With all your charm and all your mystery

a shadow amongst the paintings.