the introduction made
i pause
you offer no small talk

i lower my voice
speak to you of the day's news
as i set about my tasks
wondering at the memories
the tragedies behind the wrinkles 
that line your face,
share this time and place with you
though you don't appear to listen

my small tasks done
i linger
long to know 
i made a difference

a sudden thought
i soon return - 
someone said 
you liked to hear a story
well-told or rightly-read
you'd close your eyes
and nod your head
as smiles teased 
the corners of your lips
into stories of their own

the pages in my hand recall
the story of my heart - 
my hurts and joys
in words that paint
the things i feel 

i start to read
watching the words carefully
blinking as unbidden tears
follow fresh-stirred memories
read on and realize
my hand has found your hand
my eyes search your face
for some trace of knowing

silent prayers fly
and i quietly cry 
for mornings you will not know
for hands that will reach for you
and come back empty
wish you god-speed
fold my silly papers
and leave you to the silence
of wherever you are