I don't even remember their names

In every town and village, 

In every city square, 

In crowded places 

I searched the faces 

Hoping to find 

Someone to care. 

 

I read mysterious meanings 

In the distant stars, 

Then I went to schoolrooms 

And poolrooms 

And half-lighted cocktail bars. 

Braving dangers, 

Going with strangers, 

I don't even remember their names. 

I was quick and breezy 

And always easy 

Playing romantic games. 

 

I wined and dined a thousand exotic Joans and Janes 

In dusty halls, at debutante balls, 

On lonely country lanes. 

I fell in love forever, 

Twice every year or so. 

I wooed them sweetly, was theirs completely, 

But they always let me go. 

Saying bye now, no need to try now, 

You don't have the proper charms. 

Too sentimental and much too gentle 

I don't tremble in your arms. 

 

Then you rose into my life 

Like a promised sunrise. 

Brightening my days with the light in your eyes. 

I've never been so strong, 

Now I'm where I belong. 

 

[Maya Angelou {1928-2014} 'Where We Belong, a Duet', from And Still I Rise]