We walked in the rain

We walked in the rain
She in her way
I in mine

At first when
I saw her
Rushing cross
The way

I thought
At chance
She'd see me
Though her back
To me was turned

I mused mildly
Of her in the mist
And mud

Then a moment I saw her
Once more just ahead
The path she had taken
Had brought her back round

Yet still I behind
And little a chance
So stole onward
Up the spiraled staircase
That led to the next road

When scarcely up it
Whom should I meet
But the lady by and by
I saw twice a time
Before

Upon our third encounter
This time our paths
Could not ignore
For now as one were
They

Then I in diffident demeanor
Did ask if I may offer
My canopy o'er her
While we walked
Awhile ahead

She kindly inclined
And I joyfully accepted

She asked my name
And I hers
Then of where I
Stayed

As we made mild
Conversation
She told me
Her craft

A poet was she
Though a scholar
At present

We spoke
A bit more
Before
Our ways
Diverged

Though I shall ne'er
Soon forget
Upon that once
Drizzly day

A fair young
Lass did I thrice
Once pass

And offered
My canopy
From the wind
And rain

-Joshua Lee Foist