Alexandra of 33E
i
gliding the length of the jetway, you pivot
around the other passengers, pieces of luggage
and i lose my labor day weekend
entranced by your movements
the
way you pivot your hips and waist
you smile
blue eyes and long lashes, luscious
then settle into 33E
and begin to read
ii
a book about oriental screens
or screenings, perhaps
(film or fabric?)
japanese, I guess
not quite at random, but close
backlit by sunlight through porthole glass
the strands of your hair glow
silken and gold
like the screens
and
your skin
iii
i ask to borrow your book
the double screen by wu hung
a chinese name
and glance through its images
some reside at the nelson-atkins
in kansas city
on the inside cover i find
Alexandra Tunstall
written in half-script and black ink
we chat briefly
your accent sounds english
and i could listen to you for hours more
iv
all this to ask to meet you again
in a quieter place
where i can absorb your voice
while exiting the plane
doctor rogers steps between us
and i cant catch you in atlanta
i dont mind too much, armed
with the magic in your name
v
i comb phone books and online directories
unable to find you
perhaps you borrowed the book from a friend?
then i hit the art history departments web page
Alexandra Catherine Tunstall:
and i didnt think your name could improve
i call ku info for your phone
so that i may ask