Love at First Sight

"Love at First Sight" by Wislawa Szymborska 


THEY'RE BOTH CONVINCED 
that a sudden passion joined them. 
Such certainty is beautiful, 
but uncertainty is more beautiful still 

Since they'd never met before, they're sure 
that there'd been nothing between them. 
But what's the word from the streets, staircases, hallways— 
perhaps they've passed each other a million times? 

I want to ask them 
if they don't remember— 
a moment face to face 
in some revolving door? 
perhaps a "sorry" muttered in a crowd? 
a curt "wrong number" caught in the receiver? 
but I know the answer. 
No, they don't remember 

They'd be amazed to hear 
that Chance has been toying with them 
now for years. 

Not quite ready yet 
to become their Destiny, 
it pushed them close, drove them apart, 
it barred their path, 
stifling a laugh, 
and then leaped aside. 

There were signs and signals, 
even if they couldn't read them yet. 
Perhaps three years ago 
or just last Tuesday 
a certain leaf fluttered 
from one shoulder to another? 
Something was dropped and then picked up. 
Who knows, maybe the ball that vanished 
into childhood's thicket? 

There were doorknobs and doorbells 
where one touch had covered another 
beforehand. 
Suitcases checked and standing side by side. 
One night, perhaps, the same dream, 
grown hazy by morning. 

Every beginning 
is only a sequel, after all, 
and the book of events 
is always open halfway through.