Perhaps, in a lifetime,
we’ll meet again.
You’ll say that I look fine,
I’ll say you’re too kind.
I’ll ask if your happy,
you’ll say we all try.
I’ll try not to see it,
and you’ll try to hide
the longing between us,
remaining through time.
I’ll ask about your life,
you’ll ask about mine,
us both saying casual
“Oh, it’s quite all right.”
You’ll tell me you’re married,
I’ll say I have kids,
and we’ll both be so careful
not to admit
how we wanted these years
to spend side by side.
Perhaps, in a lifetime,
we’ll get to pass by,
merely as strangers
whose hearts have both died.
Alenka H., 2021-2022