"A new friend"

(Composed in cheerful reflection
on October 19, 2009).

A room filled with strangers,
Timidly I sit in my chair,
Trying not to look as awkward as I feel.
Glancing around the rows,
I earnestly seek a familiar face.

My eyes meet another's.
'Oh no! What was her name?
I just met her at the registration table.'
My lips form a tilted grin,
Quickly turning around in my chair.

Trying to assemble a new strategy,
I start to fidget, adjusting my sweater,
Then crossing my legs for the fourth time,
Flipping through the program again,
Checking my cell phone for "messages".

"Tori, is it?" the girl beside me asks,
Reading my scribbled name tag.
"Yep. That's me. What's your name?"
'Becky? That's not so scary.
She looks pretty nice.'

'Oh, interesting...I wonder if...'
Soon I lose sight of where I am,
Intrigued by her cheerful story,
Visualizing her life at home
And imagining her time spent abroad.

"Thank you all for coming,"
The speaker stands to welcome the group,
Starting the session and the retreat.
"It was nice meeting you," she smiles.
"You too," I reply.

Happy to have made a new friend,
I look at the lady at the podium,
Warmed by the thought of a weekend
Filled with lovely ladies to meet,
Many new friends to discover.