The Stranger

When the sun bloomed
And the bougainvillea blossomed
And her cheeks unfurled
Into a long smile
At sunset,
I had her in my arms;
I knew her. 

When the whales sprayed silhouettes,
And the fishermen made their bets;
Porpoise stitched the sea
Into a sunset dress

For her to wear at the dance
That night after we argued
About strangers.

(And please don’t talk to them
And don’t drink 
And don’t dally about
And don’t be someone else
I don’t know.)

Don’t be a stranger
When you come home
when the sun rises,
Blooming.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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

Be the first to comment on this poem. Encourage this poet.

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