dirty frozen pavement
pristine lines of white
footprints melt into
concrete path
passing strangers
cold wind
pink noses
and visible breath
narrow walk
heads buried
in rhythm
of clumsy steps
fleece and woolen
elbows
brushing once
for just an instant
a gentle touch
a quiet nuzzle
of elbow
a moment of spark
no glance back
to watch her go
just soft
warm
weeks pass
the walk
was lonely
cold and wet
watched feet
old canvas
snowflakes
on pale denim
nervous chest
feels heavy as she
glides past me
quiet and fragrant
sudden rush of
sweat and anticipation
that gentle nudge
of elbow
that rush
lingers on
hours days
months years
a lifetime
written in
the touch
of an elbow.
j.