With the West Village rolled out before us,
she said It is good we are in a place for wandering.
As we passed a shuttering lower shop,
she said I am sorry.
I have no intention of hurting you.
You won’t, I replied,
unclear on the reference.
She made no effort to respond.
The stroll continued.

Our silence became less awkward
more comfortable
She palmed an apple from a passed fruit stand.
She took one bite you handled it to me.
Take what you want, she said, I am done.
I didn’t understand. After one bite?
How much
could she appreciate the flavor
the nutrients
the entirety of the apple
after that simple sample?
Surely she would want more –
unless the apple was bad…

I had no idea where she was going.
I’m a bit lost, I said,
She said you won’t be for long
as we arrived on West Twelfth.

Soon
a very many things
became a great deal clearer.