Passing older women, total strangers, on the street
Pleasing to my eye perhaps by apt attire I think it meet
To briefly tell them so, and why, to give their day a lift.
While valuable to them, for me a cost-me-nothing gift.
‘I like your dress\your hat\your hair\your smile\whatever.’
Which should be said on impulse, passing. One must never
Stop, accost, to do so makes the comment suspect even threat
Their mirror may claim wrinkles, gray hair, double chin, and yet
This second opinion says, ‘So what?’, proves them attractive still.
A precious belief. You walk out of their life with their good will.
This ’love thy neighbour’ act I recommend without reserve.
It’s just what I would do had I a bit more nerve.