We live on opposite sides
of a wide crevasse,
a deep canyon -
gazing at each other
across the chasm,
neither of us able
to make the leap.

We send messenger pigeons
across the void,
hopeful, to pass the word -
written, sadly,
in different languages,
so that our deepest meanings
are lost in translation.

We stare at each other
across the gorge,
wondering what on earth
is really being said,
over there.

Desperately we mime
our siren call of need,
while there on the opposite
side of the abyss,
the other looks on
in silent wonder
at the calisthenics,
or yawns
and wanders off to bed.

And all the love in the world
will not give us wings.

[1992]

~sh~