sign

man--I don't know how to say

it's been an issue of passing

unseen, of crossing each other's backs

I put out my hand

and you extend your hand

--we look down,

and draw them back

--the jet planes are always leaving

you used to rush to the airport

and come running up to the gate

just in time

I used to watch jet trails

in the sky--even when you were

there--in the stands

I think I must have

imprinted on the sign

no jets now

and no skidding up to

the gate, no running

out across the sky

--no there's no smoke

arcing, and no field either

and no stands, no I think

we'll be watching each other

forever--no, I think

that's alright, man

that's alright--

I think it's alright

to be puzzling over

the figures--with their

oddly familiar

angles, their curves

and arcing slants

--don't mind so much

going by sign

it's a language worth learning.