You smiled at me,

much as you did when we

were eighteen.

Your warm hug held

many moments longer

than a simple “hello” embrace.

Throughout the day

our eyes met, often,

and the intimacies

of our shared years

passed between us.

Perhaps we were indulging

in the comfort of nostalgia,

a sweet remembering

of better days,

and deeper love.

Perhaps we were arriving

at that tender location

at which dear, lifelong friends

exist forever.

And, yet, perhaps we were searching

for that glimmer of “us”

that once surrounded our lives

with love’s warmth.

Perhaps it burns still,

deep in our hearts’ caverns,

waiting for us to fan

the flames.

Perhaps …