LatinosUSA

The Wink: Universally Likely to Be Misunderstood

Why we do it? What does it mean?
More than a picture
worth thousands of words
with thousands of meanings

Each completely different
depending on
body language, culture, context, circumstances
timing, relationship

lest ambiguous or appreciated
misinterpreted or nonsensical
flirty and fun

Can spark a laugh, share a secret
signal a subtle swooning (long before Elvis)

Ranges from
confirming to creepy
encouraging to malicious
teasing to unsettling

intimate to inappropriate
affectionate to ungodly

Now this you must remember
a kiss…just a kiss, a sigh…just a sigh,

yet origin unknown
this facial gesture
seemingly simple
coordinated contraction
with corresponding relaxation

communicates everything,
“but the kitchen sink”
and explains why I don’t do it
unless I’ve got something in my eye.

Suzanne Austin-Hill The Wink (sahill0904@gmail.com)

Editor: Francisco Bravo Cabrera

As the poetry editor for the English and Spanish editions of LatinosUSA I invite you to submit your poetry (English or Spanish) to ArribaPamplona@gmail.com directed to my attention.

CHEERS