TENDER MAN

First published in February 2022

He leans over
touches her cheek
with two fingertips
kisses her
gently, so gently.

Unexpected somehow
from this bluff character,
always the joker,
belly laughs
his hallmark.

He looks awkward
trying to tuck a scarf
in at her neck, his
big beefy hands unused
to such sensitivity.

Fascinating
to see this familiar man
in a new light,
nothing sexy, just loving
and tender,
so very tender.