BEARING WITNESS

I swore
the next time
I saw you
I would say hello
introduce myself
not stare at your chest
and ask to get to know you better

I have spent too long
living in the shadow of satisfaction
hoping for things to go my way
while making not the slightest effort.
I have watched you pass too many times
without interceding.

Twenty three missed opportunities
is twenty five too many
and the next time I see you
I will be speaking to you
making impressive introductions
and not staring at your chest.

…
Or maybe the time after that.