Quietly Ignore.

Did I embarrass you once in my salad days, so much so that

you feel the need now to turn away as we pass one another by?

There may as well be an ocean between us rather than a few feet.

But I see you

and I see you see me too.

No smile then, no hint of recognition

which might alert the world into thinking anything untoward

like - friendship - may have ever passed between us.

I watch you slink away,

fearful I may call out forcing you to acknowledge your worst case scenario.

Heaven forbid we should actually speak.

It's alright, have no fear, I understand your dilemma and

it matters not because I am not that girl anymore.

Although I have often thought of you over the years

- it shocks me to think how many -

I realised long ago how deluded I had been imagining

it was me who didn't measure up.

Despite your tailored suit and network smile,

-I can certainly see you've gone far in the world - but at what cost

I can't help wonder, as you hustle with bent head

towards a doorway and salvation.

How smugly you must have congratulated yourself

on such a lucky escape,

I am sorry for the years wasted with regret over you, your

boyish face etched in my mind for so long I forgot

that time has moved on for us both.

I'd have offered my hand though and

accepted yours in return.

Would that I could reach up so high.