I find myself holding
a hopeful, awkward affection
for people I have never met
whom I may meet someday

Imagination can’t provide me words,
but I imagine listening,
hoping I will catch the cues,
and hoping, too, for lenience –
forgiveness for the things I fail to see

We get a moment’s intersection
where it’s possible
that we could find
a treasured understanding.
This I hope for, but I note
that we could also miss

For my part, I will hold my doors open,
my thoughts focused towards you
and not towards me,
I’ll trust that I’ll be guided
to the right words and perceptions
to see you as you most hope to be seen.

©Wendy Mulhern
July 8, 2020