We waited on two sides of the subway tracks:
you were riding uptown and I was heading downtown
to a different apartment, after all these years.
We were almost paralyzed, as anxious
travelers surged around us in waves,
and then you started to pantomime.
First you touched your right eye.
Then you palmed your left knee.
Finally, you pointed at me.
I made a sign of understanding
back to you, but the train suddenly roared
into the station and you disappeared.