Kristen

We have met,

you from your house and I from mine.

The children came first, reached out in smiles and giggles,

and we watched, pretending it was all about them.

We simply stood, overseeing, talking to fill the time.

She and I walked on.

You returned indoors to the dog.

We’ve learned names, abridged stories,

waving as we go back to us.

It is so small, the distance between people,

yet so great.

Shall we go on as if we are insignificant?

Just a passing, just a moment, till we continue

on with where we are going.

But really, something happened.

You stepped out from the shadowed mass,

said your name, shared a daughter’s smile.

I turned my face to you, to be remembered,

made space for you to enter.

The surface is smooth, while underneath a current silently shifts.

We have met.