“Are you the new person drawn toward me?
To begin with, take warning—I am surely far different from what you suppose;
Do you suppose you will find in me your ideal?
Do you think it so easy to have me become your lover?”
Walt Whitman; “Are You the New Person Drawn Toward Me?”
I see you casting your eyes at me, they darting
quickly away as I catch them alighting.
Do you find me fair and feel an attraction?
You pretend to read your paper while sitting
on that park bench during this pleasant spring day.
No words are being read by you under that Bay tree
though, as you do your best to disguise your glances.
I take note too; you’re handsomely composed
and I blush, feeling amused, while sipping herbal tea.
Are you the new person drawn toward me?
Do not let my appearance give you a false impression.
My manner, though sometimes demure, can surprise.
Do not be fooled by my initial hesitation towards you,
that appears to be endearing, nervous shyness.
I am those things; it is true, but there are deeper
layers for you to observe. Do not ignore my repose.
There are traits below revealing a keen awareness.
I will watch you closely detecting any slip in your
comportment that would have your true nature exposed.
To begin with, take warning—I am surely far different from what you suppose.
Do you imagine me kind with wide-eyed innocence?
Do you see someone understanding and sweet?
Can you see behind my eyes?
What do you read between the lines of my face?
Do you see only light and none of the dark?
Can you detect what I feel?
What do you want from me?
What are you willing to give?
If you can’t see, I won’t be real.
Do you suppose you will find in me your ideal?
I’m not as harmless as I look.
Impatience will grow if I find you lacking.
Don’t try to mislead, I can see right through.
I’m no longer beguiled by empty words.
Substance and meaning are important to me.
Make me laugh! Have great humor!
Deepness of character, spiritual and warm,
these are what woo and captivate.
But even I, looking at you, may see another.
Do you think it so easy to have me become your lover?
Join me Thursday beginning at 3PM as I host Open Link Night at dVerse Poets: http://dversepoets.com/2016/01/21/open-link-night-164/#comment-105837
Bodhirose's Blog 
Sherry Blue SKY
/ January 20, 2016I really resonate with this one, gayle…..?.it is not so easy any moe………I love the qualities that appeal….humor, depth, substance and meaning. Right on,
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016Thanks so much, Sherry. No, not so easy anymore, way less inclined to put up with silliness. 🙂
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Björn Rudberg (brudberg)
/ January 21, 2016I really love how you have expanded on the thoughts, making them yours and delivering that message, that wariness we so rarely communicate… there are for sure something that comes from learning… from being burned perhaps… I just wonder if the other one is just as aware … will there ever be a true connection?…
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016Thank you, Bjorn. I think as you get older you do know yourself better (we hope) and so learn what you will and won’t accept in someone else. I would hope the other would be aware too but certainly if compatibility is there, you could make a connection.
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Mary
/ January 21, 2016Your poem has many messages within. I do think sometimes we think about the people that we see in our surroundings & perhaps wonder if we are thinking about us too. Often two people observe one another from a far. Will either make the first move? And so true as well that people oftentimes are not what they seem to be on the surface. And also true that by looking at someone you really cannot determine what is really important to them. The surface is only the tip of the iceberg. So very much beneath.
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016I know, Mary. Sizing each other up from afar can only take you so far, right?! I suppose if the two ever get to speak to one another they could figure out if things could progress, or not.
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Grace
/ January 21, 2016As I am now older, I take time to get to know the person well before judging as appearances are indeed deceiving ~ I also include here the people I meet and see on my way to work, from pedestrians to beggars to musicians…its hard to tell what or who they really are ~ And yes, I like people who make me laugh too ~
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016I feel the same way, Grace. And certainly it relates to all people that we come into contact with. A person who can make you laugh is a real bonus.
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kanzensakura
/ January 21, 2016Wow, you and I both used Whitman today. How cool. I like this glosa and you are just so good at them. I like people who make me laugh. I learned a long time ago, from my family, to not judge appearances. They were good mentors. You wonderfully expanded on the quote. “I’m no longer beguiled by empty words.
Substance and meaning are important to me.”. Maturity, wisdom, experience – all enclosed in these lines. Substance, kindness, laughter….too many times, people still go by appearances and judge us little brown wrens next to flamingos….good job on this.
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kanzensakura
/ January 21, 2016I like also, I’m not as harmless as I look…..my mantra and my warning. I hit send too soon. Sorry!
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016That was cool, Toni. You sound like you had a wise family and good mentors for your life. You’re so fortunate. To find someone who can really make you laugh is a treasure. I hope your husband is doing better by now. Maybe you’re outside about now trudging around in the snow outside your house…
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charliezero1.wordpress.com
/ January 21, 2016My favorite lines from you:
No words are being read by you under that Bay tree
though, as you do your best to disguise your glances.
I take note too; you’re handsomely composed
and I blush, feeling amused, while sipping herbal tea.
Are you the new person drawn toward me?
Love the way you communicate with your words and spread this beautiful message to all readers.
Excellent written poem. 🙂
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016I so appreciate your kindness, thanks so much. 🙂
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charliezero1.wordpress.com
/ January 25, 2016You are truly welcome. 🙂
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Sanaa Rizvi
/ January 21, 2016Amazing Glosa 😀 hats off Gayle 😀
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016Thanks, Sanaa, that’s nice of you. :~)
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whimsygizmo
/ January 21, 2016I simply love this line:
“and I blush, feeling amused, while sipping herbal tea.”
Thanks for the reminder of the Glosa form. It’s been a long time since I wrote one. And thanks for hosting today! 🙂
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016Thank you, De. I became aware of them through Bjorn who has written several. The quotes that I used really jumpstarted my thinking on how to expand on the ideas. They’re fun and challenging too. It’s my pleasure to host; it feels really good. 🙂
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katiemiafrederick
/ January 21, 2016WeLL.. from a male perspective
this rings true of course too.. Now..
when males come up to me exciting
dancing women.. them not realizing
i am almost old enough to be their
grand daddy.. just in it for the
exercise.. asking me how
many times i scored
and i’m
F E E LiNG
no.. you will..
never ever
gain.. a wife
like mine..
so many
lessons
to come
for you..
if they come..
at aLL.. ever..:)
A feeLinG Chalice
without gold am i..
then and now..
heArt sTiLL
iS aLL
that
reAlly
CouNTS..:)
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016Good hearts are a necessity if I’m to connect with anyone. I like your comment about your wife. That is how a man should feel about his wife. Sweet. 🙂
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katiemiafrederick
/ January 24, 2016So true.. And thanks so much for those kind words.. My friend..:)
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Waltermarks
/ January 21, 2016So, you’re not shy and retiring? It’s good to keep up a front to level the playing field.
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016I can be shy and retiring for sure, but sometimes not. 🙂
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Waltermarks
/ January 24, 2016I’m shy a few bucks since I retired
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016Haha…me too!
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Carol J Forrester
/ January 21, 2016A fantastic little snapshot. You’ve painted such a clear, beautiful picture.
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016Thank you, Carol.
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navasolanature
/ January 21, 2016This is just tingling with anticipation but I love the more mature person in there who is sure of herself or himself? My key line is about becoming impatient if found lacking. I think I did suggest the book 40 rules of love to you. I’ve just finished it and again this reminds me. Must check out those lines from Whitman too.
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016Yes, there is that tingle in there isn’t there? I think I was coming from my personal viewpoint as I’m more mature and would look for something different in a person now than when I was younger. Yes, you did suggest that book to me as you commented on my Glosa using a quote from Rumi. I’ll have to check that out. Thanks!
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navasolanature
/ January 25, 2016Something different, yes, but have been looking up the idea of karmic relationships!
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Pleasant Street
/ January 21, 2016There is so much here. I know I will come back to read it once more in the morning. I like this especially, and the lines that follow it
“Do not ignore my repose.”
I learned this lesson on the other side of a relationship
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016We sure can learn a lot about ourselves while in relationships with others can’t we? And those that almost kill us I hope will make us stronger and not bitter and pissy, right? 🙂
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Pleasant Street
/ January 25, 2016That is so true…though sometimes we go through a pissy period on our way to stronger 🙂
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Bodhirose
/ January 25, 2016Oh yes, surely! 🙂
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Glenn Buttkus
/ January 21, 2016Introspection, & bang on inquiry; love it. First impressions never worked for me, or buy me–beautiful souls can come in rumpled packages. This feels so very female; wonder how it would roll with a male protagonist–only the handsome men, if they’re not gay, might now the answer.
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016How right you are, Glenn. Beautiful souls can come in the most rumpled of packages. You don’t have to be the most handsome of men to be attractive. But I had to giggle at your comment…
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ghostmmnc
/ January 21, 2016Really great to hear her thoughts as she watches the other person. Also, wondering if the other person is having those same kind of thoughts. I love to observe people, and wonder what their stories are. Very good, Gayle!
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016Thank you, Barbara. I like to people watch too and I often wonder if what I pick up on about them is accurate or not. I guess I’ll never know. 🙂
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thotpurge
/ January 21, 2016Interesting the way you pull Whitman out into some honest introspection on a park bench!!!
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016Hey, I hadn’t thought about that but I really like that idea. Thanks, Thot!
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The Literary Doc
/ January 22, 2016Yes… this is such a lovely piece. I love the use of repetition, which grounds the poem, and provides a sense of stability. I really liked this.
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016So happy you liked this, Doc, thank you.
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MarinaSofia
/ January 22, 2016I wasn’t familiar (or I had forgotten) these lines from Walt Whitman, but you really make them your own. You breathe life and meaning into them, with many lines which made me smile in recognition. Harder and harder to waste time on appearances and superficial things, more and more we want to get to the essence…
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016I didn’t know this quote either until I went looking for something to inspire me. My response seemed to spill out of me. I love when I get inspired like that and the words just flow. Yes, I just want to know the real person…don’t try to put on a “show” for me.
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http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com
/ January 22, 2016The difficulties of setting a new relationship off on the right foot are legion, and you have given us lots of insight.
Is there a typo in the first line after the cabeza (they darting)? Or am I not understanding it properly?
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Bodhirose
/ January 22, 2016Hi Viv, I’m meaning his eyes were darting away. He was casting his eyes at me and then they (his eyes) were darting away. I hope that helps. I always appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me.
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http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com
/ January 22, 2016Thanks.
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kaykuala (@hankkaykuala)
/ January 22, 2016Make me laugh! Have great humor!
Deepness of character, spiritual and warm,
Besides the classic character requirement which is universal humor can open doors wide without really trying. Humor though is a rare talent! Rightly said Gayle!
Hank
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016I wish humor wasn’t so rare, Hank. It’s really fun to laugh and be silly with someone. Thanks, Hank. 🙂
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ayala
/ January 22, 2016So much wisdom here. A lovely write.
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016Thanks, Ayala. It’s a treat to see you here. 🙂
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lillian
/ January 22, 2016Finally getting to my reading tonight…and starting with yours. So many great lines in here….the idea of seeing and not seeing at the same time. The idea of judgement and perception.
For me, the idea of aging and beginning to finally understand what is the “important”:
“I’m no longer beguiled by empty words.
Substance and meaning are important to me.
Make me laugh! Have great humor!
Deepness of character, spiritual and warm,
these are what woo and captivate.”
I love these words…not only what they say about relationships but also, for me, what they say about “attention.” I choose to attend to things very differently at this age than I did in my twenties.
I really enjoyed this one!
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016I like what you said about attention, Lillian. So true, pay attention to the person in front of you and who they are…don’t project and guess. Oh, yes, things are a lot different at my age than they were when I was young and didn’t have a clue. 🙂 I’m happy that you enjoyed this, thank you!
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Gay Reiser Cannon
/ January 22, 2016This is cunning poetry – the structure hidden while the thoughts flow freely; yet the poem constructed so well as to open as a flower – with Whitman’s words being the bud and your work bringing those concepts to full flower. Excellent work.
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016Gracious thanks to you, Gay. Your kind words mean so much to me. I’m encouraged by them.
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Jamie Dedes
/ January 22, 2016This rings absolutely true and it’s very well done, very polished, Gayle. Wonderful!
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016Hi Jamie, thanks for coming by. And many thanks for your generous compliment for me. I don’t take it lightly.
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Victoria C. Slotto
/ January 23, 2016Wow, this seems like such a difficult form, one that I’ve never tried and not sure I know how to write. I was drawn in by the repetition and the development of the theme–and use of the 2nd person, the conversational tone. So good.
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016Well, I learned of this form through Bjorn and I have no doubt that you could write a beautiful and fully expansive Glosa. What’s so nice about it is you can choose the quote from a poet of your choice that really touches you and then let your heart do the work! it does need some time and concentration…maybe after your guests go home, and you’re not out golfing. 🙂
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LadyInRead@MyRandRSpace
/ January 24, 2016really enjoyed reading this one – loved the like – Do not ignore my repose
and how you show that there is more below the surface..
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016That’s where most of us are…below the surface, right? 🙂
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Bryan Ens
/ January 24, 2016Love this. You have woodshed on, but remained true to Whitman’s words. I especially enjoyed the interogatory nature of your 3rd stanza.
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Bodhirose
/ January 24, 2016That makes me happy that I remained true to Whitman’s words. Thank you, Bryan. One of my brothers told me that Mr. Whitman would be proud of my work, sweet, huh?
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