Tender Allies

I can’t help but notice

the way you look at me

discreetly

stealing glances

full of meaning

when you think I don’t see                  

I can’t help but appreciate

the quiet comfort I have found

in cherished, tranquil moments 

spent together                                                                     

as pleasant companions

tender allies

for many years

I can’t help but wonder

where within the earth’s

many revolutions

our comfortable friendship

spun into something else

infinitely more precious

which has turned me into

a tongue-tied schoolgirl

hurled to fits of bashful shyness

unable to recover my voice                                                                

or wits