There was a moment 
that I raised my head 
to yours,
an uncommon
instant
for shy girls.

It was a meeting
of hearts —
one strong.
one reticent.
But your smile was a steadying hand
that reached across divides
of country, persuasion, tomorrows, or names,
and steadied me.

One heart steadying another.
Fleetingly —
and ever present.

© Pamela Pardue Goode