Last time I saw you, it was early afternoon,
But you'd only just gotten up, and
I think you were going back to bed again soon.
For some reason I seem to recall that
You were wearing the same stripy jumper
As you had on this evening, but
I doubt it's something I can actually remember.

For some reason I wanted to meet you
As soon as I heard your name...
Perhaps because it's a name I've not encountered
Before (at least, not spelled like that), or maybe
As a result of some strange subconscious knowledge
That I should know you.

And I have sort of met you, though the first time
You were very tired, and then this evening
I was tired and you were occupied in doing
Something else, and in total we've exchanged
Maybe four words? Fewer than ten anyway.

Still I keep hearing about how lovely you are,
Which is probably true but could also
Be a hint from a well meaning mutual friend...
Either way, I should find out.

I should also find out how to
Spell your name properly, with all
The accents and things, if indeed
There are any, so I'd be able to write
Your name for...well, no reason I can
Think of yet, but it'd be nice to know.

This all reminds me of the last time
I thought like this about someone,
And how well it all worked out
For a while at least...

So I'd better hope that, if we do ever
Have an actual conversation,
I won't forget all the things I learned
About what not to say.

03/21/2003

Posted on 03/22/2003
Copyright © 2024 Richard Vince