Fleeting

Fleeting

Leaning into a tree
on your path to college
as if I were attached
by tendrils of sap

I watch you saunter into view
whorls churn me up inside
your expression is concentrated
far away inside

around you the day
carries a meagre sway
but the song inside your head
spills out into your step
sheens your hair and lips
moves your hips

as you pass me
I am still holding the tree
I smile
surprised, you fleet a look
and are gone
in a second

in life
nothing should be that short