cards scatter across the tatami,
small hands reaching,
voices still light.

before winning or losing,
laughter fills the room,
and eyes meet naturally.

“middle” is not a point to stand on,
nor a side to choose.

it is the space between—
between people,
between words and silence.

here, connection gathers quietly,
in shared attention,
in facing one another.

the kanji “中” speaks of presence—
where hearts meet,
and time comes together.