Now, here is a funny thing.

Corridor, stairway, path.

 

You know,

it is part of human evolution

that we

recognise people – shapes and forms from far away.

Gait, stature, poise;

Coif,

Profile.

 

Individuals, even acquaintances are

Instantaneously identifiable,

Like when

Emperor penguins are milling around the ice

And each one can tell who is who and who is whose chick.

 

Yet,

I walk past you and smile

and

nothing in return.

Blank.

 

I remember learning years ago,

That my friend Phil walked past others

because of short-sightedness

Intermixed

with vanity.

 

This isn’t what’s happening

And

It is odd

That in the hospital

This phenomenon is more associated with doctors

than any other group.

 

Is it a status thing?

 

Is it pretending I haven’t seen you so you haven’t seen me, like head buried in sand?

 

Close my eyes, fingers in ears & stamp my feet.