I sat next to you
on our way to parallel destinations.
You didn't see me, but I saw you.
You were always there
in my peripheral vision
as a stretching and yawning figure.

Each turn of your head to the window-my seconds of paradise
to steal treasured gazes
at the curve of dark beard,
carved on your gentle cheeks.

At your stop,
you rose in slow motion
like a statue being erected
for the passengers to marvel at.

There you were!
A tower of elegance, beaming with a smile.
You whispered, "Safe travels, beautiful."

Then you left – and I,
livid.