woman ascending a staircase

his eyes scoured the night

searching for eyes to heed him

to watch, yet unnoticed his switch

a secret wish his lips held tight

of a woman under wraps of fear

in his masculine cauldron of shame

but, as from a shadowed edge

a place beyond the stage of dance

i caught the play-act of his heart

the one his buddies did not catch:

his woman, free for a moment's glance

as she ascended the royal stairs