we spend isolated days
trying to understand each other
until days become lives

and in our brief time here
when our underbellies are exposed
we ache for cover; for warmth

yet the sky opens
to a slew of harsh acceptance:
hate is always easier.

fear feeds it like a parched wildfire
lit by an ignorant match;
we have met our match.

side by side, we watch each other fall
not trusting the canyon’s bridge
that could expose our freedom.