Lost and Found

I look at you and wait to feel.

Something. Anything.

Time is suspended. I am holding my breath, waiting for the wave of nausea, the sour taste of adrenaline, the burning blush on my cheeks.
My eyes prickle and burn. You are out of focus.

I blink. Your image cuts into my brain.
Your lips are curved into a clumsy smile, yet it is not mine to claim.
You have not noticed me.

She laughes with her mouth wide open, showing perfect pearls. You put your arm around her shoulders and pull her to your chest.
The wind slaps me in the face.

I tug my hat down and bury my hands into my coat pockets. My fingers find cold coins. They clink like empty milk bottles knocked over in the night.
The sound of the city returns.

The distant purr of traffic soothes me.
My eyes flick to an old man sitting alone.
His watery eyes catch mine and hold me for a moment.

When I look back
You have melted into the crowd.

And I am free.