words

e.

you gave me your words yesterday
finally
after a year and a half of silence.

and they are graceful, tender things
written on a yellowed page
from under the trees

i am grateful for them
and i am grateful for you
and your infinite spirit and generosity.

.......................................................................................................................................

j.

i couldn't give you my words today
the precious few i even allow myself to utter
they are gentle, hope-filled things
that are waiting for you to come back
in whatever way you can
to the door we both know you didn't close behind you.

.......................................................................................................................................

r.

you spoke words yesterday
quiet, disruptive words
when i had asked for silence.
they tripped me up and lessened me
my moment
and the space that i had asked for
because you aren't listening as much as you think you're trying
and i can't forgive you for it just yet.

.......................................................................................................................................

l.

i heard your words today.
broken, tearful words
shared across space and time zones.
and the gift of your presence warmed me
as i sat

still

and unmoving

with you


as the autumn slowly entered the car chilling the air.

.......................................................................................................................................

a.

you have no words right now
the inertia weighing you down
as i lean over and whisper for the annoying-th time
are you okay?
and i'll give you no more words
because you'd prefer to weather this in silence
but know my heart is with you
each grinding day.