Strangers

Although you never tell me

I know your secret hurts

I study your reflection now

Without offering of words

For you know what I’m going to say

Before the air is broken

We share a world no one can see

In trysts, raw and unspoken

We sit together, you and I

In silences unhurried

I know your thoughts and you know mine

It’s always been this way, dear

I trace the outline of your stare

You crazy, sudden stranger

Who are you? I am unprepared

To attempt any answer

For I am you and you are me

And yet, I’ve never seen you

Get up and walk across the street

Or even to the next room

I’ve known you all my life and yet

I lean to see you clearer

For I feel like I’ve never met

That woman in the mirror

© Janet Martin