When?

by Jeanie Carnahan

Sometimes late at night

Or on a crowded street,

I wonder who you are

And when and where we’ll meet.

Will I know at once

From eyes that once held mine?

Will there be a faint hello

From some forgotten time?

Or will your smile be new to me

No different from the rest?

Maybe we’re already friends,

And time will do the rest.

I only know I’m lonely

From playing this old role—

Like a song that’s left unfinished,

I’m half, and not a whole.