i find it daunting
always searching while i walk
while my brothers and sisters
bump into my shoulders and apologize

makes me want to scream
‘please, don’t be sorry.
just tell me your name’

but they keep walking
a purpose waiting patiently
at the end of their steps

though nobody knows it
our soul mates are just out of reach
blowing me kisses from bus windows

using my lighter in the rain
groaning impatiently for their coffee
smiling meekly in the halls

the girl of my dreams
is waiting in lines
getting on the bus
sitting beside me
her features aren’t yet determined
but it doesn’t matter

she’s already gone

it can be maddening
forging a connection
so that it can disintegrate
in your fingers
burst into flame at your touch