writing for self-discovery

I wait, standing a bit back from the crowd around the stainless steal corral, eyes scanning the trickle of humanity exiting the airport. The double glass doors marked with ‘DO NOT ENTER’ symbols, whoosh open and closed, spitting out dazed and weary travelers. I am early. It will take about half an hour for my American friend to clear customs. I’m cognizant but not expecting to see the familiar face quite yet.  

I allow my mind to drift into a semi dream state and mindlessly observe the flow of nations streaming past. Suddenly my skin prickles and the air takes on a strange quality. It is as though a vacuum has been created in the space around me and time stops. A dark form floats past in a cloud of expensive perfume. Shrouded in fabric, lightweight and of finest quality, I see nothing but her eyes yet I know she is beautiful. With each step the hem of her garmet ripples and billows slightly but the tiny feet remain hidden.  She skims the earth. The air stirs with the cool touch of her passing. My eyes are glued, my heart barely beats, I am holding my breath.

The man with her is appropriate. He has been polished to a bronzed glow. His hair glistens, every strand of it perfectly in place. Immaculately clean, groomed, manicured, he is flawless. But I only glance at him. It is the woman who engages my fantasy. I pause in a space between bias and judgment to acknowledge a glimmer of understanding. Whatever form inhabits the drifting cloth is clear to the imagination only. The woman inside is safe from carnal eyes yet she has seduced me. I watch them as the crowd folds in behind them and they are out of sight.

A tall girl in 6″ platforms with a skirt barely there strides by. Her tattooed escort lopes a few steps behind. Dreadlocks wrapped with colorful bits of yarn brush his waist. I remember the couple only for the exaggerated contrast. Something dark and negative dissolved in my heart today. The black ghost stole it as she glided by. I feel much lighter without the weight of my prejudice.