Chocolate Almond Eyes

In the smallest, most-crowded train I ever rode;
Under “the word” a most pretty blessing was bestowed.
An Asian flower with curls twisted through her ears,
Looked at me with chocolate-almond eyes that sparkled.

The sweetness of those eyes I almost tasted,
The softness of her skin I could but dream of.
And for a moment – if only the briefest:
I felt renewed what being in love is like.

I know not your name or the place you rest your head
And ‘tis to my shame that I did not ask for that.
But like all things I let this go into God’s hand
And he has heard my prayer and he understands.

The sweetness of those eyes I almost tasted,
The softness of her skin I could but dream of.
And for a moment – if only the briefest:
I felt renewed what being in love is like.

So if this lotus is to unfold in my sight,
If this flower is to bloom under my small light;
Then I would love to shine my little light on you.
Then I would love to make that choice and remain true.

Joël Benjamin