What kindness remains
tends to be shunned
by upturned coat collars
and downcast eyes.

But I see you,
a long-legged dream
lounging on that bench.

Sitting by your side,
I rest my hand between us
while a candy heart
lingers on my tongue.

Its message dissolves unread.
No matter what it said—
words can't convey
what I discern in your face.

Sparrow song accompanies
the movement of your fingers
as they inch closer to mine:
a graze of warm skin
on this frigid day.

In separate spheres,
on separate paths,
our solitude, now sweeter
following our silent encounter.