Kindness of Strangers

we rely on friends
to be family

and then
after they leave

we're left
with only

the kindness
of strangers 

despite everything
behind our eyes

in a split second
we realize

you're a part of me
I'm some of you 

before the fear
 split us in two

we make a gesture
we remember 

the kindness
of strangers

the body
next to me

the one
across the way

the crowd
in front of me

ones
on display

you and me
full of pain

and the ecstasy
that awaits

as strangeness
comes into view