To K-

The sadness was plain in your eyes.
I wondered, "What causes the tears she cries?"
Weary wells, windows of your soul,
They poured it all out.
A stranger, I might walk away,
The choice to stay was just as simple.
Could I not lend my ear?
You didn't expect me to listen,
Much less respond, sharing in kind.
But, I had to. Someone did.
You needed a tether to the world,
And I let my own fall away,
That afternoon, I needed to hear what you needed to say.
I didn't have the answers you sought to find,
But, I hope it gave you some small comfort,
Knowing I am just as unknowing.





From my blog - 7/10/14
I met K at the bookstore. She was sitting in front of a display of books, one of which triggered her grief for her mother, who passed two years before. She needed someone to listen. I'm glad I was there.

One thing I've learned about grieving, everyone does it their own way, in their own time. She hugged me and thanked me as we parted, for taking the time to listen, but I should be the one thanking her. It was a reminder of what is important - how we treat those around us. We share this world together, for the little time we have on it. Small acts of kindness cost nothing, and are more rewarding than you think. When others have shown me kindness, I appreciated it more than they probably know. I do believe things happen for a reason, even if we never understand why in this life.