Reception Desk

Certain memories hide in dusty corners

unseen unheard until

they suddenly materialize

returning unbidden

summoned by a silent voice or unseen hand

embellished and improved over  time

tailored to our present desires, our needs

A long line of guys

    a mixer/date evening

    pre-paired by  two dorms

expectancy running high

in the lobby of the girls dorm

leaning across the reception desk

  mischievous smile, green eyes, blue button down,

  khaki shorts , penny loafers

“Who are you meeting?”

“…just a sec I’ll call her

and let her know you are waiting.”

Did 30-seconds pass?  did 45?

instantaneous and timeless impossibly together

this briefest of moments lasting more than 50 years

this chance meeting

tempered my excitement

and could not see,  nor remember with clarity

the girl who announced

“I’m here, who is the lucky guy?”

but have often remembered with great detail

and embedded feelings

the girl at the desk