Mamihlapinatapai

The Hardest Word to Translate

I glance across the table
and your eyes meet with mine.
We share a knowing smile
at each other’s thoughts divined.

Neither of us dares to speak
the secrets of desire.
Intensified; our beating hearts,
adding fuel onto this fire.

I know of you without speaking
as you also know of me.
Both of us wish to affirm
yet not wanting to set free

The words of affirmation
when the thought’s already shared.
Each wanting to initiate;
timid, meek, and scared.

Perhaps one day we’ll find it.
The courage to admit
the feelings that we know we share
and finally find respite.