Impressions

As I drove toward you,

with the sun shining brightly

and the shadows from the autumn trees playing tricks on my eyes,

I identified you as a vibrant young woman on a brisk afternoon walk.

As I got closer, and could see you more clearly, I saw you to be older,

still vibrant, but with a less brisk pace.

And I felt as if I understood in some vague but important way the mutual beauty

of both of my impressions.