铁皮屋子玻璃房子

Theyre both convinced

that a sudden passion joined them. 

Such certainty is beautiful, 

but uncertainty is more beautiful still. 

Since theyd never met before, theyre sure 

that thered been nothing between them. 

But whats the word from the streets, staircases, hallways - 

perhaps theyve passed by each other a million times? 

I want to ask them 

if they dont remember - 

a moment face to face 

in some revolving door? 

perhaps a "sorry" muttered in a crowd? 

a curt "wrong number" caught in the receiver? 

but I know the answer. 

No, they dont remember. 

Theyd be amazed to hear 

that Chance has been toying with them 

now for years. 

Not quite ready yet 

to become their Destiny, 

it pushed them close, drove them apart, 

it barred their path, 

stifling a laugh, 

and then leaped aside. 

There were signs and signals, 

even if they couldnt read them yet. 

Perhaps three years ago 

or just last Tuesday 

a certain leaf fluttered 

from one shoulder to another? 

Something was dropped and then picked up. 

Who knows, maybe the ball that vanished 

into childhoods thicket? 

There were doorknobs and doorbells 

where one touch had covered another 

beforehand. 

Suitcases checked and standing side by side. 

One night, perhaps, the same dream, 

grown hazy by morning. 

Every beginning 

is only a sequel, after all, 

and the book of events 

is always open halfway through.