love: this man I've seen twice now

I've seen this man twice now.

He looks like someone I know very well. Dresses in straight black, with a hat and a book peeking out of his pocket. Not a pants-pocket but an awkward one around his stomach. He's slim and he has a cane. He isn't old though. Maybe its a fake limp or maybe he's just practicing for an ailment he believes he will one day own.

He rides the train briefly and gets off at my stop. And maybe its because he reminds me so much of someone I stare at him when we both take the stairs and I watch the way he cocks his head and takes the stairs quickly, as if he is tap-dancing. His cane appears to make his movements more graceful. What should hinder his ability gives him a bit more stride.

And tonight, as we both neared the exit of the station I so wanted to be someone he knew. And there, at the bottom of all the stairs was this little woman. All heels and jacket, little under it all. He walked over to her and she was smiling, talking and she was most definitely someone he knew. My ride wasn't there so I watched them cross the street and disappear, into shadow.

I love the idea of him. And maybe them. Sometimes I can only imagine people singularly, and seeing him meet with someone altered the character I thought I was developing for him. So love dipped to intense like but back to love as I figured he is allowed to have such love or admiration for the little woman. I will allow him that if he'll allow me to invent the rest.