2011 Issue - Santa Fe Community College

For a Man to Whom
I May Have Caused
Some Embarrassment
by Paul Lamar
I’ve told this story to a friend with certain airiness,
But now I need absolution from you. If, when we pass again,
You will give me two minutes, I’ll explain it all
Without attempting to excuse. And then you can forgive me.
(Ah, I worry you’ll either take out a police whistle or shove me
Or spray me with Mace. I wouldn’t blame you, beautiful man.)
I’m lonely, and that is all there is to say.
Since May I’ve nodded to you, and you to me,
On State Street where you work. And then I said hello.
Hello, you said in return. And Monday when you waved
Across the street, going the other way
(You with a companion), I determined to meet you.
Instantly I devised the rash plan that makes me cringe with shame.
I had no pen, but I had a blank page among Xeroxed resumes
That were going to prospective employers (I’d just copied them
Down the block—you must know every horrible detail).
I stopped in
At the ice cream parlor, where they recognize me, and
borrowed a pen.
I wrote: “I know this is presumptuous of me, but I will take
The plunge. I’m the man who waves to you on State Street.
Perhaps
You’ll join me at the Pub some night” I wrote my name
and number.
68 Santa Fe Literary Review