Fantastic

“I am Yoko. It’s not my real name but it’s not important. I heard that you would like to get to know me. I don’t think it’s necessary, but I don’t want to be rude.”

She said this in the sweetest manner possible. She was smiling apologetically. Not looking at me in the eyes.

I am disappointed. I have spent thousands of hours observing people. Even if I don’t know her yet, I instantly knew she’s acting. She’s a great actress.

But I played along.

“Magic happens when you talk to people. I am addicted to that kind of magic.” I said. My hands are still clasped. I’m not sure why.

She looked up.

“Haven’t you accumulated enough magic back in London.”

“I have. You see, when you are brimming with magic. You have no choice but to pass it along. The way I see it, you don’t believe a word I’m saying. Or maybe you don’t believe in magic at all.”

“I don’t believe in many things. But I believe that your time as poet is precious and will only be wasted in getting to know someone like me. So I thought that maybe if we talk for a few minutes now you’ll be utterly convinced that I am not worth your time.”

She’s right I was disappointed. But not anymore. I want to get to know her and I want her to stop wearing a mask around me.

“I never told anyone that I am a poet. Our flat mates know that I write. But no. They don’t know that I write poetry. ———You must have read my works.”

“All of them.”

I unclasped my hands. Is this why she’s all guarded up? Is this why she’s been avoiding me? She’s a fan of my poetry. She’s a John the Poet fan.

Now, I think I want to kiss her.