[the spread of sadness]

i notice, walking towards home,
how passers-by line the edge of the sidewalk
to avoid my eyes,

as though the sadness could be spread
through dry tears-

although, leaning towards the curb,
i understand that, like disease,
it permeates the air and settles in the lungs
undetected

until a cigarette is drawn and lit,
and i continue on.