Layers [√]

[ the art of disconnecting ]

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