THE STRANGER Him, the stranger walking toward you, he's the one you take into your heart. The rhythm of his stride becomes your pulse, you can feel it pumping through your shoulders, your neck, your eyes. Coming closer, you observe his waist and the shape of his hands. His face you've already memorized. You examine the surges of feeling within you and notice, surprised, that desire and courage are rooted to the same place. As he passes, you wonder if he realizes how much a part of you he is, you wonder if he has seen you, and decide that now (yes!) is the time to speak.