Wide Space

There is a wide space between us,
All of us.
We pass by so many people in a day,
And brush closely, closely enough
To feel their breath on your skin,
Or graze the hair on their arms,
Or rub against the rough cotton of their shirt sleeves or jeans,
But still we are all separated.

To cross that space requires a catalyst.

This may be strong emotions,
Like anger,
Or desire.

Or this catalyst may be something softer,
Like sympathy pushing us to reach out
And offer to warmly hold the stranger,
Just to prop him up,
For a moment.

Or merely the need for warmth,
That allows us to put aside our fears,
Or anxieties,
Or better judgment,
And to allow ourselves to
Step across the space and join together
Even if only for a moment.

It can be a perilous step,
But it's something we all find ourselves doing
Every now and then.