The distance is there (always),
even if close,
even if far,
there in the closeness to touch
and the eyes not meeting
(always looking away),
there in the reluctance of a
hand seeking a hand,
and the monosyllable of
conversation stretched across
eating and sitting together
in one space that is really two.

But then the cornered moments
of a fleeting smile caught in greetings
and then packed away in that
secure place that nobody can touch
(not even me),
and I wonder about the thoughts
and feelings that invade your being
here with me now close but distant
in this struggle to find
who you are,
to make you legible.

 

21/2/2026