I know how I’m supposed to behave.
What the situation dictates.
My body knows and does
despite my heart and brain being estranged.
Here, you smile and nod
Here, you make eye contact and concentrate;
Here, you respond and decide.
Here, you encourage.
Here, you lament.
Here, you dance.
Here, you laugh.
Here you chew, swallow, and here and here, and here – you breathe.

Only when the tears come do the brain and heart know each other again.

Tentative brushes of one against the wounded other.