Holding Pattern

Holding Pattern
June 24th 2005

Whenever I watch
Two people greet
Each other in the street
I contemplate
The nature of their relationship

I can tell if theirs is a
"Sheesh, I just saw you yesterday!"
Kind of acquaintance
Where nods may be exchanged

Or if one must feign affection
Then protocol demands
An "A-Frame" hug
And air kisses
That say
"I'm only pretending
To like you -
Keep your distance"

But it is the shriek of joy
That truly draws my attention
For both parties,
Too much time has elapsed
Since last they met

While witnessing
Their tight embraces
I'm transfixed
And feel
Traces of you

An ache spreads through my chest
I am aware just how
Light and empty
My arms feel

And in that momentary pang
There hangs
An eternity
Of longing