alpha & omega
the beginning and end
(Inspired by Olivia Rodrigo’s “stranger”)1
I. We were an "X"— lives destined to meet at one point, only to separate immediately after. Miles of land and sea stood between you and I and the hands of our clocks pointed in opposite directions. II. We closed our eyes and jumped, believing we would fly— and for a while, we did; the wings of hope kept us airborne. III. But reality slammed into us. We hit the ground hard and were left with cuts and bruises. In tacit agreement, we picked ourselves up and walked our separate ways. IV. For a while, you were just a stranger I knew everything about. Like a child on a carousel, like the moon orbiting the earth— my mind went round and round, revolving on thoughts of you. V. When our paths crossed once more, I thought: Maybe we aren't just an "X." Maybe if we tie the ends, we could be infinite. VI. We sang in thirds in perfect harmony; but there were always those notes that kept us apart. VII. The universe toys with us, treating us like a yo-yo— relentlessly letting us go and bringing us back. VIII. The memory of us feels both distant and fresh; it lasted both a lifetime and just a split second.