Longing in the Ether

I see you just a few feet away, standing in the rain by the dreary bus stop, your face partially obscured by an umbrella.   I've seen you many times before, but I've never spoken to you.   I don't even know your name.  

There are two buses that come to this stop, and I always get on the one that leaves first.   I get on and watch as the bus pulls away from you, enchanted by the architecture of your face, the fall of your hair.   You are the ultimate mystery, hauntingly handsome, with deep grey eyes that betray just a hint of sadness as you smile at me.

My heart beats faster whenever I see you.   I have been working up the courage for months, trying to speak to you, but the words can never seem to come to me.   I wonder if you feel the same about me as I do about you.   Do you ever look for me as you walk up to the stop, to see if I'm there waiting?   Do you study my face and imagine the thoughts behind my eyes the same way I do with you?

I can see your face beneath the umbrella, set in some deep, thoughtful pose, your eyes hidden.   What are you thinking about?   With a jolt to my heart, I secretly hope that you are thinking about me.

My bus is about to come now, but I don't want to leave you like this.   We share the same stop now, but what if things don't always stay that way?   Bus routes change, people move and meet and marry.   I don't see a ring on your finger, but I don't know how long that will last.   Not with a man like you.

I've made up my mind.   I don't know what will come of what I'm about to do next, but I have to try.   I have to be with you.   As my bus pulls up to the stop, I let it sit there for a few moments, and then slowly drive on past.   Taking a deep breath, I open my umbrella and walk over to you.   Our eyes meet, and suddenly it is as if we have known one another for a thousand years.   It's electrifying, mesmerizing.   I can't look away.   You slowly reach out a hand, as if in a trance, and place it on my cheek.   I put my hand over it, holding it there.   Slowly, you fade away, your body dissolving into mist, the still solid feeling of your hand still upon my cheek.   I suddenly know your sadness, your mystery.   You have been sitting at the stop for an eternity, a lonely spirit just waiting for someone to notice you, to make you feel human again.   I wish I could have you, and I'm sad you have to go, but I don't regret what happened.   I'm just glad I could help.