What attracts me is her boyish figure,
her no make-up face and blunt cut hair;
the way her sunglasses rest on top of her head,
a restrainer for bangs and wisps of yellow hair.
There’s no pretense in that hairstyle,
no false curl, no hairspray in the way.
Easily talking with fellow travelers,
always with a clear purpose smile.
She doesn’t talk to me.

She wears an earth-colored T-shirt and khaki shorts
perfect for red rock canyon walks.
Her backpack bulges with life’s interesting load.
She is off to adventure with a campfire and self reliance.

I long to say, “Where do you go?” and “Take me with you, please,”
and I notice that you are single
when it is obvious you would be a phenomenal partner in life.
But, you wisely keep your distance from me...
Or that is just my paranoia, and more likely
you do not see me, and that is fine,
as I would be tongue-tied and useless in your presence.

Go on your way, I release you;
I will read of you in books, hear of bugs named and caves discovered
Crags claimed and spaces saved.
I will know they were you.