No Mamihlapinatapai

What hurt and loneliness of early growth
caused bolts to close to hide herself
from others’ prying, seeking, loving eyes
We cannot see the depth, the longings,
apparent emptiness’ source.
We cannot catch, and lock a look of empathy,
of sharing, understanding,
amusement’s twinkle at
those situations mutually observed.

Conversing verbally,
and smilingly
of joke, debate, discussion
but miss the visual spark
– of tickled comprehension.

[Poetry Monthly: Mamihlapinatapai]

[This has nothing to do with physical blindness, where those so afflicted often have other means of heightening communication and understanding]