Soft, expected, unexpected.

For one half-tick, I thought you had forgotten; really.

That his presence had changed everything.

And then you made light and said, “Oh, yes, you…”

As if I were your kid sister, when really I am your cousin…

And we each of us leaned for just more than was required

and in that moment, each felt the softness of the others cheek, lips, kiss.

And then it was over and we made our way –

opposite directions through the heavy New York rain.