There’s something 
incredibly sad
in the meeting 
of new people.

There's a weight that forms
with all that comes with
the give and take,
the sharing.

There’s so much that can be lost.

If I didn’t meet you
I wouldn’t know 
that I’d miss
the way you appreciate
the art on my walls
or how you
talk about
the flowers of Pennsylvania.

I wouldn’t know 
what it feels like
to be touched by you.

Anticipatory grief
is my way of preparing
for the sadness that comes 
despite the joy 
and the gains.

In the midst of pleasure,
there’s a part of me 
that prepares for the end
as soon as something begins.