I’ll meet you in history
U.S. history, second floor

She crossed the foyer
heels tapping out
the exact measure of
her heart
a rockabilly tempo

Too fast, feeling flushed
our dancer
never made it to history
as he was waiting
for her in poetry

Taking her hand
saying hello
gracious at her apology
(late by seven minutes)
remarking he had been
in good company
surrounded by books
reaching then
for a volume
& sharing a poem

Effortlessly, unknowingly
helping her slow her pace
as she seated herself
just there, next to him
at once at ease with this man
in this place, the books
mystery, art, romance

Years from now,
the history
will show an evening
between convivial friends
starting with a poem
& bookended with a kiss