ANOTHER KIND OF INTIMACY
Sitting across the whirlpool
Is a blind man
Although he must be aware
That I am there
He begins to hum
As if no one hears
I pay attention without interrupting
Then he stretches a leg
His toes almost touching mine
He resumes his song
A solitary melody
Without lyrics
Like Michelangelo’s God
Reaching for Adam
Strangely apart
Yet together
Part of me feels imposed upon
And another full of gratitude
Of this stranger’s
Silent Gift
— © Abraham Menashe