i return here
in the midst of a normal day
except
i mourn;
i’m broke & hungry
and it’s cold outside
my friend,
serene, my source of comfort
when i mourn small things
sits in rare tears;
her only words to me,
“a friend just died”
i sit on the sidelines
feeling useless;
my gift for words deserts me.
meanwhile, she continues
to work, to function, to plan
in midst of a normal day.
her simple words
hit like bricks
“a friend just died”
of the fathomless reservoir of love within her
and inside, i cry for her
but outward, offer
only
useless silence
i’ll leave here tonight
broke, hungry & cold
but one day wiser
mourning–
not my own woes
but the sorrow
of my serene, comforting friend.
