STRANGERS Poem by Ester Naomi Perquin

Just as in a photograph in which you're seen from behind
you recognise yourself but because it's unnatural
would rather not be there - so the other

is just as you already think: it's not good to know too much,
secrets symbols reason give you something to do.

Place between yourself/the other a deep sea and dye your hair,
stay inaudible for each attempt at rapprochement, resist
approaches with loud names as unyielding as stone.

Make it fully public and embark upon a war, be
at all times immutable. Don't coincide, be alone.