distance

across the room
you stand
but her eyes you can
not meet

you say "hello,
life is fine"
and such lies
you smile up front
but the words are
not your own
you laugh, shake hands
cold
but the voices are far
and no one can hear
their bodies push against
yours but she
stands
in another room
alone
these places are never home
and their fingers reach
and pull but yours is not
any of theirs

on the street
you walk for-
ward in motion with the crowd
opposite directions
of the one who knows
the day will come
when the hand you hold
will warm your soul

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