First Meeting

I see your face in every passing reflection

Imagining the could haves and what ifs

How much hurt can be packed in so few words

And completely shift the axis of the world

 It was an ordinary day in which we met

No one could even call it remarkable

Clouds had been painted the darkest gray by some dismal artist's hand

Straggling in the midst of the late morning crowd

Some walking, Others rushing

All getting drenched no matter what they did

Only things in my possession were my faded blue raincoat and an old black umbrella that had clearly seen better days.

Nevertheless, I persisted.

Surging forward, trying my utmost to dodge both puddles and people

Of course, does clumsiness ever strike when needed?

Never as far as my knowledge can recall.

I tripped, slipped, and fell.

Did you catch me?

No, but you did catch my umbrella.

And when we locked eyes, the universe burst into colors

In every shade imaginable

Gently cradling me up off the ground

Questioning if I'm alright

As I'm responding, the old umbrella finally gives up and decides to give way to the wind.

You gaze at me in concern and I give in to the desire to laugh and save the tears for another day

And you finally grin along once you realize I'm okay

A split second connection when we were intertwined

One moment and a whole lifetime has passed

I give you my thanks 

Gently shake your hand

Bid each other farewell

Turn away and realize, I never got your name

Too late, I lost you to the crowd

Lost to an endless sea of faces

Will you remember me?

The brief flash in which our souls connected

I see the truth in the fact that the most bittersweet words are could haves and what ifs.