Looking out to look inward (IP)

[inspired by the amount of time Colin Firth’s Mr Darcy spent looking out of windows in the BBC production of some years ago]

From out of a window he stared, to be free
of the cattiness flowing continuously
as the ladies lampooned, mocked the rustic naïvety;
but he’d felt unsettled in alien society –
unwillingly maybe, against preconceptions,
prejudice, pride – unexpected perceptions
he wanted to analyze, have peace to turn over
and sort out his thoughts, let emotions recover.

From out of a window he saw her have fun
with the dog, quite unbothered to think anyone
may see her undignified merriment, play,
her want of decorum, unguarded display;
he knew she had also shown kindness and care
true, unpretentious; acutely aware
she could speak out to tease, or rebuke, unperturbed
by conventions, or wealth: and his heart was disturbed.

[This week’s IP:  “From out the window”]