Looking In

It was windy rainy a cold November night As I walked alone the downtown streets As I had done a million times before Loneliness my ever faithful companion Through inviting windows cozy and romantic I’d see couples patronize chic restaurants With much intrigue I loved to wonder Under those golden lights and warm décor If one day maybe it would be my turn If one day love would be within my grasp As tangible as a hand reaching out for a caress And spontaneous as a stolen kiss before dessert How I envied their smiles and laughter When they leaned in closely for a whisper It sometimes took my breath away I in the dark on the outside looking in Fantasizing that I’d someday navigate through a portal And suddenly step into a metamorphosed revelation This craving had to be more than a simple idle fixation Surely my heart could not go on this way AP: Honorable Mention 2020 Submitted on January 17, 2020 for contest EIGHT WORD CHALLENGE 1 2020 sponsored by JOHN HAMILTON