Unknown to me although we’ve shared our years
in empathetic close fraternity,
I’m sometimes stunned as evidence appears,
unknown to me.

I tried imagining that I were he.
I paid attention to his words and fears,
but my best guess includes uncertainty.

If distance so exists in us, it clears
a field for folks outside the family
to linger shallow-seen as sunset nears,
unknown to me.

(Roundel)