R.M. Dolin, February 17, 2024
It’s the bizarre juxtaposition of returning home to find a familiar friend, and being someplace new for the very first time uncertain about expectations. Seeing you again, is like looking into the tormented future of what once was, confident it's only an illusion to keep me from facing unbearable truths. Hearing your voice calms my many anxieties, while causing me to brace for all those words you might say, words underscored by melodic pain. Holding you close is an unsettled combination of my soul joyously reuniting with its missing part, and my heart uncertain it should allow feelings previously put in purgatory to be paroled. Touching your trembling lips reveal secrets you inadvertently share, telling me whether or not we’re okay.
Background poem for the novel, “The Dangling Conversation.” Kyle imagines the complexity of the moment he and Nadia reunite. . .if they reunite.