That Nice Cape

An older man and I cross paths
Each morning when I walk.
For months there was no contact – 
Neither nod nor wave nor talk.

Until last week, when all at once
Our glances did connect.
I smiled and then he nodded;
Recognition, I suspect.

For several days we waved hello.
I thought that would suffice,
‘Til yesterday, when he did say,
“That cape of yours is nice.”

My woolen navy cape I wear
On autumn’s chilly days.
With big gold buttons, it attracts
Its share of glimpse and gaze.

My walking pal was one of those
But filed that fact away
Until the ice was broken
And a lead-in came his way.

We never know just what effect
We have when paths align
And for my new acquaintance
I must thank that cape of mine.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Gondolf Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 11:08 AM
Ilene, I just love your simple rhymes about everyday life, I always enjoy reading them. Best wishes. John
Bauer Avatar
June 24, 2018 at 6:07 PM
thank you, john! your comment made me feel really good. i appreciate it...
Marcum Wong Avatar
June 20, 2018 at 10:43 PM
Ilene, this is such a delightful charming story. I hope you write a sequel! Could the blush of love be on the horizon? I really enjoyed this. : )
Bauer Avatar
June 24, 2018 at 6:06 PM
thank you connie! no "blush of love," as you say, although it would make a nice story. i'm happily married but i'm always glad to find a new acquaintance (of either gender)...
Cunningham Avatar
June 20, 2018 at 5:09 PM
A lovely story ilene, I find years ago people were a lot more friendly than today, to busy looking at their phones, I always try and make the effort, it costs nothing. Tom
Bauer Avatar
June 24, 2018 at 6:05 PM
an excellent point, tom! so many opportunities for connections are lost today due to technology (although i'm sure that younger people would argue the exact opposite!). thanks for writing (and thereby connecting!)
Allison Avatar
June 20, 2018 at 4:45 PM
How lovely you are finally acquainted I am sure you will continue to chat regularly .. i am sure you look stunning in your cape and have many admiring glances:-) i try and smile and say hello to everyone I meet on my way to the shops, some people have little contact and a smile and a word cost nothing:-) hugs jan xx
Bauer Avatar
June 24, 2018 at 6:03 PM
hey jan! i don't know if "stunning" exactly describes how i look, but thanks for your show of support! i was just so surprised that someone made note of what i was wearing and that eventually we had a connection...
Krutsinger Avatar
June 20, 2018 at 3:18 PM
We never know, Ilene when and where the connection will be made, often surprising us greatly. Some of my best friends were those I had been "warned about".
Bauer Avatar
June 24, 2018 at 6:01 PM
ha! yes, it's sometimes good to ignore those "warnings." thanks for writing, caren...
Devonshire Avatar
June 20, 2018 at 3:05 PM
How true that we don't know how connections will be made, Ilene. From your vivid description, this cape would have caught my eye as well. A delightful narrative that makes us think about the ways in which we affect others! Hugs, Carolyn
Bauer Avatar
June 24, 2018 at 6:00 PM
hey carolyn! you have captured exactly what my intention was in this poem! thank you for letting me know that i've been understood...
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