HOPEFUL ROMANTIC

I read your letter to me again tonight.

All the words written . . . but mostly
those unwritten, between . . . and after . . .
Again

I checked the mailbox (twice) again today
and again, considered a keen mystery. . .
Your words may
mask, – unspoken, shy affection –
just encode a simple hint, meant only to
encourage this . . . romantic or worse . . .
conceal nothing.

The mystery's end reads all too clear, now in kind . . .
Because in fairness to the shy,
the simple lack of a sequel reveals some
overanxious improvisation . . .
on the part of this, hopeless, romantic's
hopeful mind.

          Scott Thornhill