Brief Encounter Poem by Dean Bottomlley

Where was it, Costa's, Starbucks, Nero's?
I cannot remember now;
But I know you arrived on time.
Our eyes met first.

The corners of your mouth lifted,
Throwing my smile back to me.
You shook my out-stretched hand,
Holding a fraction longer than necessary.

Coffee obtained, we sat in comfort.
First exchanging frivolous pleasantries.
Then a deeper, intense conversation
Please us both, emotionally and intellectually.

The time came, with its inevitability,
We both rose to take our parting.
Your hug lasted, tipping towards intimacy.
You smiled, turned, and left.

In that short time you held me:
Held my eyes, my hand, my smile.
You held my mind and my body.
But only one has ever held my heart.