This poem was longlisted for the Fish Poetry Prize last spring, but alas, it missed the shortlist. I wrote it in July ’10, when I was in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. It’s a terza rima box: thirteen lines, thirteen syllables per line. Click on the visual to view it in its full-sized glory in your browser. If my cursive’s a bother, the text is at the bottom. ♥
The Margay
I was bound by my gratitude and obligation,
as you were to your familial companions, yet
we ditched them all in spirit. A slice of elation
brought out a curve in your smile when you stealthily met
my eyes, for there was a crystallized understanding
between us. Recognition followed suit, and we let
it release our hidden history, reinforcing
that taut thread stretching from you to me, from me to you,
until we had to bend to its pull. We were circling,
each aware of the other, and you sent me your cue
to hang towards the back for the brief conversation
we both knew would be far too casual for the two
of us to talk about the renewed admiration.