JUST BUSINESS

At least I say this of bonhomie
It is better than being ignored
Well, marginally so, if it’s fake
One can identify it so easily
You’ll see that reluctant smile
Which doesn’t really work at all
And an odd look in the eyes
But - even more than all that
There’s an initial pleasant rush
Followed by that weird slap
As brain argues with the heart
At great pains to work it out
Why something hadn’t gelled
With all doubts getting louder
And that dubious handshake
At least instincts are still alive
But societal norms do prevail
As one returns a similar smile
Making pleasant conversations
Until that chance to walk away
Then to encounter yet another
At any smart business function