Walking Pace

I walked --
They reached out with
their fumbling, warm hands,
and I,
although knowing
the feel of skin against skin,
I walked.

I turned around
three short times -
once blinded by tears,
twice,
and a third time,
to a radiant smile.

What did we leave,
when we left ourselves?

I wonder, after knowing
the pressure of your gaze,
could I have left,
after meeting you once?

Once...

I lost
your smiles
your beautiful eyes
your laughter

(Sometimes I curse these feet.)

I walked.