Introduction

I have a friend who met my book collection
Before he met me.
He read through the titles of classic works,
Recognizing most, and thought,
“I’m going to like this person.”

I knew nothing of this prologue
When we introduced ourselves,
But was struck, almost physically,
By his joyful smile that said,
“I like you and am going to like you more.”

Usually introductions avoid naked delight.
We are less exposed, more cautious.
That seems prudent. After all,
You never know when you’ll meet an ax murderer.
And yet

I wonder now if we met people, made
In the image of God, with joyful expectation
In our eyes instead of self-preservation,
If that would show more Christ.
After all,

That’s how he meets us.