I only knew him
as a traveling salesman.
At times he came
into the hotel
and our eyes met.
I suspected he would
return, ask me to his room,
but he was too shy,
boyish in reserve.
Impatient for others
I finally gave up
waiting. A fantasy groom-
worse than flirtation
that goes forward
towards the awkward meeting
that never ends.

(Who is Gregor Samsa?)