I will pretend

that the glimpse of boy I caught in the rear-view mirror the other day

was purely unintentional.

That you met my gaze,

and the blur was affirmation.

That the Buddha slung around your neck

was really a Cross,

And that the age gap wasn’t too far to jump.

(but it always mattered; I couldn’t stop the ravine from smothering).

I will pretend

that no one was there to see me

Crane my neck after you.

That I was cool and collected, smoky and uncaring.

That I’d never given you a 2nd thought.

I will pretend

That the attraction was mutual, and

That your smile was always intended for me.

I think we all love to exaggerate life. :)