Distance by Phil French

A girl sat on the waiting bus

Whence all but she had fled.

She felt alone, conspicuous.

Shy thoughts ran through her head.

A lad got on.  "From what I see,"

She thought, "He could be nice!

But if he plonks down next to me,

I'll turn as cold as ice!"

He read her thoughts and sat apart.

He understood her fear.

His gentle distance made her start

To think she'd like him near.