ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

QUIET COMPANY

I saw the tears run down her face. I asked
if I could be of help. And so I passed
a clean white handkerchief , and as she took
it from my hand, she raised her head to look.
'Thank you for your kindness, sir' said her eyes
but not a word passed from her lips. The rise
and falling of her breast told me she grieved
for a loved one she had lost. I believed
it was her brother. No deeper sorrow
can befall a sibling, when tomorrow
the sun will rise, but there is a hollow
in the family tree
I looked at her, and she at me
I consoled her with quiet company.

Copyright (C) Allan Cropper February 2016

Sometimes words are not needed Allan. I remember a stranger, a woman, coming up to me at my grandmother's funeral and enveloping me in a hug (after I had struggled to say a few words). She never spoke a word. I don't know who she was but I will always remember her kindness.

Heather

Good enjambment Al, and well layered ... Well done ...

Thanks Heather. Often a hug, or just being there, means so much more than words, particularly in times of grief when no words will ease the pain.

Thank you, Manny. I was slammin' the enjambin'

Lovely poem Allan, I agree with the others on both counts. At those times such caring, silent support speaks volumes and comforts far more than any words