Conversation between two hippos

I am told sometimes,
people are better loved from afar.
Proximity, I hear,
only evidences our frailty.

Yet, here I stand
across from you
craving closeness,
willing to love you

scars and all.



(Conversation between two hippos is originally the title of this display that has just opened at the MET.)

Don't go out in silence

She leaves one full moon
one cold winter afternoon.
I hug her less than I wish.
I hug her more than anyone else I
have ever had to let go.

I have left quite a few people
go without a word.
I was never taught the
protocol for farewells.
There is a moment

before two paths diverge,
a season sets.
You hope people can read
your love in things other than
words.

(To Julie Ana Abreu)