Shy People

SHY PEOPLE Shy people hide their feelings inside their heads their houses their mouths sometimes a giggle pops out but then they turn popsicle-red and disappear once again Shy people stand against walls eyes diverted, feet shuffling nervously, longing for a dance...a romance but don’t forge a straight path You look like a train coming straight at them, and they like a deer in the headlights Approach the shy one cautiously, one silent step at a time, not too close, then tell a pleasant joke to your friend, perhaps the shy one will smile or restrain a laugh with her palm. You can let her see your sideways glance, but keep mildly chatting with your friend. Shy people stay that way for a long long time until the shackles fall fearlessly at your feet then no longer shy they make you run your heart pounding at the sound of their never ending conversation all the words in their heads their houses their mouths pop out like a volcanic eruption that can’t be stopped You grab her hand and kiss her into submission, but remember, it is only a brief intermission. 12/4/2017 People Poetry Contest