I Met Clara

Sitting at a table I met a woman of ethical means Surrounded by trees, warm, green, contrast Arrives this woman, vibrant, driven, the silence broken a little Jousting through early minutes of introduction We drink coffee, pass small talk until questions Discussion opens into opinions, directness I detect maybe anger, low levels, guiding her discourse At me? No, more my history, even so I feel safe, respect, honesty This woman seeks answers, juxtapositions, balance Not agreement, this may not happen, like earth and moon Maintaining orbit, revolving not to meet, worlds will not collide I like this just met woman, such are few, determined, always listening Then delivering herself, honesty, clarity, some angst of course, this is meeting is new And as we talk, my past comes forward, not considered for some time Finding ease to voice my thoughts, reflecting her ethics, me with mine Refreshing, calming, challenging of course, we both ask questions We share our worlds a little at a time, slowly accepting opposition Understanding always demands time, we have this I hope As this moment draws to end, we say our goodbyes I feel admiration for this woman, half my years yet mature in state As with mine, her journey will challenge, but she will do well This woman of ethical means Jan 2022