He sits calmly in the corner
of the restaurant redolent with curry
and cardamom.
He smiles, unseen,
his third eyes stares
deeply felt on the back
of my neck.
Her eyes draw me in
offering a serenity,
she smiles freely
and I recall the park
in the shadow of the mountains
the soft touch of velvet
and the empress
alongside the fool.
It is too soon done
but the soft fur
of the cat
bristles along my arm.

First published in Pato Journal, Summer 2024
https://patojournal.wixsite.com/pato/copy-of-spring-2024