I saw you this day,
man with a ponytail and beard,
whose face I should have recognised,
talking in a language
I’m learning.

I thought suddenly automatic your words,
apprentice automaton
that I am.

My eyes like a breeze and you blink,
slow down and glance beside me.

Briefly, the air settled,
my mind your speech un-captured.

Then deliberate, and
I lost you,
carrying on.