Time still

We yell across the distance
greeting each other in the same
tongue

Oddly there’s a common language

we know one another
though we’ve barely met

our differences are apparent
as we slide into comfortable dialect
my midwestern twang
dormant for many moons
reappears

our common linguistics
do not surprise me
though I left that world
behind

but as the
rotors of
connection
click into place
we are mildly
shocked

we take turns acknowledging
and wondering
doubting and delighting
pulling away
stepping in

can I really hold
someone
from this idealogical distance
care for their wounds
dry their eyes
metaphorically — ironically

hold them

is it possible to honor
even cherish
while staunchly misaligned

I ask the question
in all sincerity
my dear friend

you laugh
in that voice
I’ve come to love
you gently
hold me with your attention
and whisper softly
in my ear

Yes, of course, it is