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When do strangers become more than mere acquaintances?
Is it when their eyes meet?
Is it when they sparkle in the reflection of another?
When a hand reaches out to greet and finds warmth and welcome.
Is it when hey you’s and hiya’s replace hello,
and cheers and take care’s become miss you and xo?

When do friends become more than well-acquainted strangers?
Is it when their hearts touch?
Is it when they feel joy and ache in the reflection of each other?
When they stop reaching for explanations of themselves instead choosing to just be.
When hiya’s and hey you’s turn to hon’s and sweets,
and goodbye hugs are followed by ‘til next we meet.

When do lovers become more than just friends?
Is it when their fingers braid?
Is it when they calmly rest despite the nervous flutter?
When reaching for words is abandoned for the comfort of shared silence.
When me too and I know turn to really? … there’s no way
and what’s happening? is replaced by we will be okay.

When do well-acquainted strangers become less than friends?
Is it when their hearts harden?
Is it when they feel solace and relief in the absence of each other?
When they reach for tissues and remotes and booze to numb the white noise.
When words volley on target, then into thin air
and pacified by apathy, they give up to I don’t care?

When do mere acquaintances estrange to strangers?
Is it when their eyes meet
blankly, no longer searching for sorrow in the reflection of the other?
When a hand reaches out and awkwardly retreats to the safety of alone.
When hello’s are followed by the shallow how’ve you been,
and memory’s distant pulse encourages you to reach again.