Week after week I observe,
He enters quietly, sits in the back,
Leaves without speaking to anyone.
Then, one morning, he enters with a friend.
As he speaks to the young woman at his side
He smiles freely, easily.
It is the first time I have seen him smile.
It is the beauty of a rainbow on storm clouds,
Of the first green leaf after winter.
I doubt that I could ever be
So happy or relaxed in the company of another.
But (so long as I observe from a safe distance)
I can take joy at the sight of such a lovely smile on a stranger's face.