I.
A black cloud is liftedÂ
this time around and I
vow quietly to hold my
friend more closely
more gently
more reverently.
Â
II.
A short talk in a long line with a woman I do not know
revealing the difficulties of her life:
the negative husband, the elderly mother.
We had a heart-to-heart just like that
and now she is dear to me, though I do not
have her name. I am thankful once again
for the many gifts of my life.
