I walked to my usual spot

there was a distance

I knew I was hidden but seen

just wanted to say hello to you

every day, every hour, every minute

right now when you step outside

begin your walk around the block

leaving the office behind

I waited for a look

knowing you wouldn’t glance

for what you didn’t want to see.

The pain was real, confusing, stark

all around the world continued

while ours had changed.

I only realized years later

the imposition

the burden

careful scrutiny on your part

to keep our distance in sight.