In appreciation of small spaces

My restless neighbor

and I have a peculiar camaraderie.

Anonymous to one another,

we share more than a few wooden beams and a 7x9 patch of drywall.

We are bonded in a hundred silent God-bless-yous.

Parsley and carrots chopped in unison

For chickpea salad and homemade carrot cake,

respectively,

or at least one can surmise.

But most of all, for the gentle comfort that comes

from the company of familiar, pacing footsteps

at 4 a.m.

through thin Brooklyn walls.