Notes About The Poem

This was written in collaboration with Rhoda Tripp. The two sonnets were written simultaneously, one by Rhoda and one by myself. They depict the first impressions two people have upon seeing each other for the first time from both the male point of view and the female point of view.

First Impressions

I first saw her sitting at a table,
sipping her coffee at a small café.
Her eyes were brown and her hair was sable
her smile the kind that takes your breath away.

                                        Sitting and minding my own coffee cup,
                                        steam was rising in misty morning air.
                                        His darkened gaze met mine when I looked up;
                                        his smile did curl a face so debonair.

Steam rose from her cup as it met her lips
our eyes convened as I walked down the aisle
this classy lady’s beauty could launch ships
as I passed her by she returned my smile.

                                        Who could not detect his confident air?
                                        his valiant stride like a peacock in plume;
                                        this man with wild wisps of soft windblown hair,
                                        his full lips like tender petals in bloom.

As her smile fades I can’t help but wonder
if her love is pledged to another man
and if we met would lives be asunder
disrupting the balance of life’s own plan.

                                        I chanced a glance; his hand for glints of gold
                                        eyes struggled and suffered a quick debate
                                        a ring on the hand that I longed to hold?
                                        for it would surely determine our fate.

Perhaps I should just admire from afar,
and not let nature’s balance come ajar.

                                        I was lifted without leaving my seat;
                                        it’s easy to love those we never meet.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Hoffman Avatar
June 16, 2018 at 10:35 PM
A very flirty, romantic and compelling collab; congrats on an awesome write to you both!~Che :)
Gondolf Avatar
June 17, 2018 at 9:28 AM
Thank you, Cheryl, I'm glad you enjoyed it. John
Roper Avatar
June 16, 2018 at 9:25 PM
Nicely done, John, love the two person tale Hugs Eve ~' *
Gondolf Avatar
June 16, 2018 at 10:01 PM
Thank you so much, Eve, I’m glad you enjoyed it. John
Salehi Avatar
June 16, 2018 at 11:07 AM
A great collaboration... I bet you are the last line...
Gondolf Avatar
June 16, 2018 at 2:16 PM
Thanks, Pashang, I appreciate it. John
Dietrich Avatar
June 14, 2018 at 7:14 PM
Oh my gosh, it looks like the two will just be ships passing in the night. Darn it. It looks to me like it could become a stunning kind of love. WEll done, you two
Gondolf Avatar
June 15, 2018 at 7:03 AM
Thank you, Andrea, glad you enjoyed it. I suppose I could have done my final couplet differently but it kind of reflects the person I am. I was always a bit shy. John
Devonshire Avatar
June 14, 2018 at 5:40 PM
We usually remember the times when we first see someone this attractive. Rhoda made me giggle when she mentioned checking for a ring. You have written a great collaboration, John and Rhoda! Sonnets are such a delight to read. Hugs, Carolyn
Gondolf Avatar
June 15, 2018 at 7:00 AM
Thanks, Carolyn, I'm glad you enjoyed it. And btw guys always check for a ring as well, and sometimes they even disregard it if she is wearing a ring. John
Macfarlane Avatar
June 13, 2018 at 5:49 PM
Terrific write John and Rhoda! Enjoyed the entertaining points of views. Well done.
Gondolf Avatar
June 13, 2018 at 7:16 PM
Thank you, Cecilia.
Cunningham Avatar
June 13, 2018 at 2:49 PM
A brilliant collaboration A masterpiece of words. You work well together. John
Gondolf Avatar
June 13, 2018 at 3:05 PM
Thanks, Tom, I appreciate it. I enjoyed working with Rhoda on this one. John
Sands Avatar
June 13, 2018 at 7:49 AM
Excellent ! Both Rhoda and John ! I enjoyed this . Very well done :)
Gondolf Avatar
June 13, 2018 at 7:53 AM
Thank you so much, Heidi, I appreciate it. John
Tripp Avatar
June 13, 2018 at 7:47 AM
Thank you so much, John, for working with me on this fun collaboration. It was my pleasure. You are very talented.
Gondolf Avatar
June 13, 2018 at 7:51 AM
Rhoda, It was a pleasure working with you as well. This was my first collaboration and I had no idea how it would work out, but it was quite fun and I enjoyed working with such a talented writer as yourself. John
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace