do you not feel it

the presence of the unspeakable

as with the unwanted stranger who

when in the morning

elevator rush, the density

of human flesh invading natural space

stands out

no reason to be so aware

of his presence

just to the left and in back of you

so compelling in its neutrality

anonymity

neither pulling nor repelling you

simply an awareness

the awareness of another

terrifying in its emptiness

meaninglessness

yet more real than any intimate touch