August 17, 2008
The Other
I see within the mirror,
a glass representation of myself,
identical eyes staring back at me.
What secrets are revealed
in that reflection?
Can I truly know myself?
Is what I see mirrored
in the minds and hearts
of those around me?
or am I considered differently?
I am known by the other
He knows me in a way I can
never know myself;
in a moments evaluation
he pronounces an instantaneous
judgment of who I am.
In a flash I am reduced
to an impression; a supposition
that is reality to the mind that
owns the thought.
I am a slave to that image
if I have no further contact
with the other.
Gazing on my reflection
in the mirror, can I truly know
something of that image
unknown now to me?
Can I see what others see?
Can I be the other?
Copyright © 1999 by Jake Olden Shy
July 19, 2008
The Meeting
As I find you waiting here
My heart is pounding in my ear
A moment that I’ll soon revere
In the wake of our premiere
As you turn to me and smile
Pleasantness captured in your style
Words within my mind compile
Standing here before this trial
A timid thought, shall we embrace?
Desire shines upon your face
Conservative thoughts I can’t replace
For these footsteps can’t be retraced
As you approach me where I stand
I nervously offer you my hand
The softness of your touch unplanned
A gentleness I understand
Within your touch so soft and gentle
I find a confidence elemental
My misunderstanding incidental
To this moment monumental
As we move and take our seat
My nervousness is repleat
Your beauty I find is my conceit
Against this vision I can’t compete
In your eyes intense surprise
Intelligence softness belies
A passion I can’t disguise
As they sparkle and mesmerize
Our conversation holds affection
Within your answers introspection
Within your eyes my soul’s connection
In you I find a predilection
Too soon our meeting had to end
Your reticence I must commend
From this meeting we may portend
A new chapter waiting, will begin
Copyright © 1999 by Jake Olden Shy
July 17, 2008
Talking on the Phone for Hours
Talking on the phone for hours
I’ve never felt so connected
Can what I think be happening?
Can love be resurrected?
Probing questions help us learn
The other’s mind and soul
Spontaneity in our laughter
Will soon my heart be stole?
It’s been so long, I can’t remember
Giddy, I must confess
Nervously inching ever closer
In this game of lover’s chess
Afraid to move too quickly
Yet wanting something more
Afraid to sink to deeply
Not knowing what’s in store
If love is what our future holds
In time will be revealed
Let’s enjoy our time today
While the truth remains concealed
Why then should we worry?
If in love our life ascends
If not, then we will surely
Become the best of friends
Copyright © 1999 by Jake Olden Shy
