LITMUS TEST

The tapping together of wine glasses
or coffee cups three times or twice
if that’s the agreed upon symbol
of promise to be nothing but nice...
can mend and renew affection.
You don’t do that kind of thing
with strangers or neighbors
you don’t very much like,
or even people you once loved
but don’t have feelings for now...
a wink can be risky
if no understanding is shared
of the extent and limits of meaning.
A handshake is civil;
a hug is a gift to a friend;
but a kiss is a kiss is a kiss...
not maybe I will or maybe I won’t.