As he spoke I noticed
the lock of hair that curled
around the outside edge
of his left ear.

He was unaware of my interest
as I quickly moved my eyes
back to his face --
but only momentarily,

For I soon was enraptured
with the vision of that curl
and how it nestled his
tanned ear.

He spoke of his travels,
his brushes with celebrity
and the books he read
on his journey.

His talk was interesting
and his education,
both scholarly and real life,
was fiercely evident.

His language was colorful,
spreading word visions
of his life and experience
before me.

Yet I was enamored of
that single russet curl
wrapped around his
ear like a caress.

It spoke of his
vulnerability and his
unconcern for the outward
appearance.

His eyes sparkled as he talked
and lips broke into smiles
often, showing pearly teeth
and a warm personality.

But I wanted to touch that curl,
to wrap it around my finger
as I kissed his ear gently
with lips and tongue.

Ah, that curl,
how it enticed.