Strangers

if i could be

just one tiny neural pathway

in someone’s brain

the shortest blip, but regardless

recorded in the mind

as proof or disproof

that kindness still exists

let me smile at a stranger

let me wave warmly at the child peeking over

let me hold eye contact with the older man,

clearly anxious to look up

if their brain is wired to disappointment & mistrust

let me undo just one wire

let me be a blip of goodness

and proof that we are still okay