What I Have in Common With You

What I have in common with you
Is smoke
Dark and pervasive
And fast and inside

What I have in common with you
Is flame
Heat and destruction
And no holding back

What I have in common with you
Is questions
"What is that?" "Where is it?"
"Is he out?" "Is this real?"

What I have in common with you
Is fear
In hearts and in bellies
In corners, in sleep

What I have in common with you
Is loss
Plans, expectations
Destroyed and far gone

What I have in common with you
Is love
Yes, people are first
And forget all the rest

But then

You did what I didn't
And gave what I needn't
It was asked of you
And not of me

I'm grateful

I'm sorry

I wish I could know you
But you see

What I have in common with you
Is really
Nothing at all. 

(For Juliet Arnett)