maybe that's where the disconnect happens —
when we say goodbye without meaning to
when we look at each other and ask
have i met you before?
when we no longer look back to see
if the other is still keeping pace
when our hearts are the first to let go despite
our hands clinging in a threadbare grip
when our eyes stare at the space occupied
by this stranger who feels familiar
maybe that's where the disconnect happens —
when we outgrow the people we love