Silken strands of moonlight
Twine about her hair--
Lost, apprehensive,
She glances up as he enters the cafe.

This stolen sanctuary,
This tasteless cup before her
Fade in the light
Radiating from his smile.
The room's dimness dissipates,
He illuminates the cobwebs
Tangling her thoughts.
Suddenly, she's free to converse,
And yet, cannot form a thought.
Unable to explain
This mysterious happening,
She simply sits,
Stuttering a shy hello.
His grin lights up his weary face,
And colors her cheeks--
He sits beside her and orders,
Lighting up a cigarette with her consent.
He sees her through different eyes.
She's still unsure of how to react,
But she finds herself beginning to unwind, now,
His presence is a tranquilizer,
His arm around her shoulder,
Is a barrier against fear.
She takes another sip
Of her lukewarm tea,
And smiles, tentatively...

Suddenly, she's beautiful.

He's taken by surprise,
He wasn't expecting this.
She unfolds in his embrace,
Tiny, tightly guarded secrets
Slip out, her tongue loosened.
His gaze is reassuring,
He places his troubles behind him
And holds her as she unwinds...

She thaws in the warmth
Of the fire in his soul...