"The Last Time I Smiled at a Man" by Brooke Wrisley

two men met mid-crosswalk

opposite directions

where I was stopped for red:

smiles and eyes alight –

a hug, and mutual

backwards

walking.

arms in the air,

one turned away to cross,

still smiling,

beaming,

and I was too.

on my way to class:

when I looked up,

he was smiling

gently

with no intention

of stopping.