The stranger in the street, was yesterday my friend.

We had been like brothers separated at birth,

Finding each other again in sixth grade.

Grew up sharing secrets, of our parents’ rows,

Of crushes and invented games.

We even invented a secret language,

To annoy others, siblings, teachers.

We had ambitions,

To fight side-by-side as patriots of our own country.

Now not even a nod of acknowledgment as we pass each other.

Eyes not meeting, too ashamed to admit.

We’d been friends once,

Not knowing we were off to fight under different flags.

To fight for the land we’d shared, the trees we’d climbed, for the free-flowing water that knew no borders.