Know How To Be Evasive

by Sharon Dolin

after Baltasar Gracián

Say hover when you mean over
weary when you mean leery

Turn a tight spot into
a night spot

The owl sleeps while the mourning doves coo.

Your charm is in being
even when you disappear:

gracious when fronted
with salacious

flirtatious when heads bob & move on.

Smooth someone’s skin
when the brambles
lie within.

A comfortable couch
hides a vulnerable souse.

When he hints about whether you fain . . .
smile & point out the rain.

Published on February 10, 2016