One lady encountered I
at an odd time in late July
odd I say because it was not a trial
just a perfect escapade of a liar

But that was not my perpetual toga
I felt unusually serious with a swagger
I was dangerously determined
even if I was struck with a dagger

Never had I been so stupidly mesmerized
never had such sensation got me so stupefied
but alas, mine was not a usual show of affectation
I truly had a feel of romantic affection

My mind was milder and tender
even tender than the care of a babysitter
my heart was deeper and fonder
even Romeo’s could not have been so fonder

Her voice was calm like a sunless winter
her cheerful smile was warmer than a cool weather
her soft spot cleverly hidden in a ladylike manner
but l pressed on with a masculine ginger

I approached her not with a devious sense
and her response was not so tense
but l wasn’t so good with words with women
especially the one so elevated with high acumen

She posed with self-conscious beauty laced with pride
with a defence not to be taken for an easy ride
whether consciously or absentmindedly
all l know is my words had some weight

I told her she was a damsel
and her world would never be a hell
I told her she was an angel
and that cannot be too much to tell

She smiled faintly concealing her interest
I knew l had won
at last my pressing yielded a gentle nod
and a breezely quiver of her slender body

I’ll think about it, she said ducking
yes of course, l saw it coming
the words parted her lips like an apparition
so brief, so soothing and much enthralling

I went home that day as a lady’s lord

Basit Olatunji