Two Strangers

Upon a crowded street in Hiroshima, they met. From distant shores they came, seeking to get Some adventure, some beauty, some wonder, some answers. As they wandered aimlessly, feeling out of place. He was from the USA, she was from Russia. They did not share a tongue or culture. They asked for help, but no one understood. Their faces flushed, their mouths agape. Then their eyes met, and something sparked. They smiled and nodded, but they were in the dark. They realized they had something in common: un poco de español. It was not enough to bridge their gap. They spoke with broken words, but made no sense. They gestured with their hands, but were too intense. He said “Hola, me llamo Joe, y tú?” She said “privet, menia zovut Anya, a the” They looked at each other with doubt and dread. They scratched their heads, sighed, and moaned. Like lost travelers trying to crack the code Of their mysterious and foreign tongue. But then they laughed as they saw the humor In their predicament and plight. They relaxed as they felt the warmth and compassion In their gaze that pierced the gloom. He touched her hand gently and said “Perdón”. She touched his hand softly and said “izvini”. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity and delight, As if discovering a hidden gem. They wondered if they could ever make it right. They felt a bond, a thread that tied them tight. He said, “You are the moon that lights my way”. She said, “You are the sun that brightens my day”. Like flowers in the desert, like stars in the night, Like birds of different feathers, but with the same flight, They found each other in the most unlikely place, They shared a glimpse of paradise, a moment of grace, Joe did not think about their countries’ issues or their politics, Anya did not care about their differences or their conflicts, They only saw each other as human beings with hearts and souls, They only felt each other as friends and allies with common goals. Like children who play together without prejudice or fear. They slowly finished their tea and knew they would soon depart, They did not want to leave each other’s lost and lonely heart, He hugged her tightly like an anchor in the stormy sea, She hugged him tightly like an angel with heavenly glee. Like lovers who embrace each other with passion and sincerity. As they walked away with tears in their eyes, Turn, One long last embracing selfie with a forlorn Bonsai. Two strangers met on a crowded street. In a distant land where they came to seek. Some adventure, some beauty, some wonder … Some answers… they found something deeper and fonder. Friendship can blossom in the most unlikely places. Where an unseen world is full of inviting smiles and – ….. Paradisiacal embraces.