before :: after

it is the closest we've ever stood,
and so it stands that
this is the first time i had the opportunity to take careful note of
your exceptionally crooked teeth
and the red your skin takes on
when you're caught off guard.

it is the closest we've ever stood,
and i saw you on the landing
you saw me,
we "hello"ed
then stopped
walked back

and faced each other.

...

you wrote me email anecdotes.
you say you think i will appreciate them.
we're at the point now
where you can share things with me,
where you think you know me.
maybe you do.
maybe i don't give you enough credit.