Mamihlapinatapei

 Mamihlapinatapei

A meaningful look shared by two people expressing mutual, unstated feelings. 

                                                                                                  

                                                From Howard Rheingold’s book, “They Have a Word for It”

The world is full of lonely people waiting to make the first move.

Anonymous

When eyes meet, the eyes of two fromTierra del Fuego,

there is a word in the native lingo,

for the look that says what neither at the moment can profess,

a glimpse that expresses the unexpressed.

A gaze it becomes that betrays the attraction,

a longing look of fascination.

a gander that says “I so hope you will initiate, 

and state what we both want, but right now can only await.”

For this enchantment to ensue , do you have to be from Tierra del Fuego?

Hardly no, for around the world eyes are aglow.

But so much is implied in the word “mamihlapinatapei,”

that must be the reason it is expressed so breathlessly. 

Or perhaps the long word, so hopeful,

foresees a mutual masterpiece, a life-long eyeful.

For the Land of Fire is Tierra del Fuego,

a perfect place for love to ignite and grow.