Airport Emotionals

Exuberant tourists firecrack

under Panama hats.

Red and floral orange shirtburstings

"Adios!" to dreary February weather.

Lone men stand with eyes full of eager.

Medleys of cellophane coned carnations in hand,

they peer over strangers

awaiting lovers

who haven't been

for weeks

or a while.

Study abroad collegiates kiss nervous boyfriends good-bye.

Imagined adventures in foreign tongues render promises of fidelity

preoccupied.

The lap topped and brief cased clip

along a swift pace, scanning prospects,

irritated business efficients time check

at

five

minute

intervals.

Each hoping to avoid an unfortunate seating arrangement.

Their last draft picks: the disheveled

unshaven down one last pre-bording drown

in the cocktail lounge. Barfull of waxy ears and unwashed hair.

Last night stupors stretching over to this morning

will be shortly bording.

Chipper '"Are-you-through-with-that-paper?"-crossword-puzzlers wait

patiently by the gate.

For peanut content an allergic obsessive interrogates.

Foreheads hammock in open palms.

Bags under eyes jet lagged become extra carry-ons.

Navy issued suits

lapelled by plastic winged Come fly my happy sky!

Help me survive!

the monotony of

“To drink, what would you like?”

with their rolling cases filled for overnight

whirring by.