A Surprise Gift from Shelley

She left the sidewalk

across the small patch of stubbly grass.

She crossed over to Church Street ahead of me,

at a slant.

Purpose in her stride.

Twice she quickly shook her head to the side, 

The uneven line of hair obeyed.

It formed a curved line by her ear. 

Out of her face.

The second time
she made this endearing movement with her hair

I saw her face.

Smooth, white against her straight black hair.

Beautiful, rounded, familiar features.

Dark eyebrows.

High, full cheekbones, big eyes.

Shelley Cope.

With each stride 

her right arm swung ahead.

Further than her left.

Its pendulum propelled her

to some forward competence. 

Her lips closed.

Concentrating.

Head up.

Looking straight ahead.

Not glancing down.

Determined,
confident,
mature.

Natural beauty.

I stifled my, "Hey, Cope!" 

Held back my greeting.

I didn't hold back the memories.

I couldn't.

They rushed in.

My eyes followed Shelley's daughter,

as she turned the street corner ahead and disappeared.

St. Ignace Shoreline in July