Kathie’s Best Friend

I watch as you strike up a conversation

with the store clerk who responds to you as a

long lost friend. I stand back in wonder and

admiration as you pull laughter and

intimacy from her like a magician

pulls a rabbit from a hat

She opens up to you, and you to her

both equally at ease with secrets known

seemingly only between you two.

I observe closely, trying so hard not to miss

the key you used to crack open the barrier

of distrust I so often can't get past.

The two of you talk, hands waving, eyes

sparking, leaning in to each other

to hear more clearly. She hanging on your

every word,

you charming her until she beams.

You're cheerful and almost obnoxiously loud,

filling the entire store .

I watch. I watch a little jealous, knowing I will never

see your magic trick. It will be as elusive as

the magician's card that shows up in

another's pocket: I know it happened,

I just didn't see it.

After 10 minutes you end your revelry,

look around for me, and we walk out

of the store together.

I ask you "Where do you know her from?"

You say " I've never seen her before in my life."

Naida Lavon

10/17/2020

Prompt from

The Illustrated Art of War

By Sun Tzu,

translated by Samuel B. Griffith

Page 195, starting at the 26th word

I chose this phrase:

"...with equal ease..."