Reading Faces
As I looked upon his face it was very recognizable
I had seen the hollow look in my own eyes many times
I knew this wasn’t just another poem request
He wore the face of death and instantly my heart sank
There is nothing worse than learning a loved one has died
While you set in Prison
As he began to speak I studied his face
For I m an expert on reading people
The expression in their eyes
The tone of their voice
The lines that map the depth of pain upon their face
Body movement
And their hands
His eyes darted downwards and his voice cracked
He wrung his hands as though he were expecting a great waterfall
To start pouring out of them
He started to explain that the family lawyer had contacted him
His family had all gone out on their boat
They were headed to Catalina Island
Smallest details are important every word must be analyzed
Father, Mother, Wife, Children, (One boy and two girls)
Brother, Sister and family dog
Brother’s wife and one nephew
Witnesses said, “The boat just exploded into flames”
Fuel leak
He raised his head and our eyes met
“Jughead (My Prison name) they’re all gone”, he said
His eyes were rimmed with red and very swollen
His entire body was trembling as he burst into tears
I held him like a mother would her frightened child
Searching my mind for something to offer
Something he could grasp hold of and find strength in
He must be the only family member left (Why else would a lawyer have contacted him?)
Like I said, “Every word is important”!!!
I thought, “Legacy, this shall be my approach”
I started to speak softly but with a touch of conviction
“Youngster your life is more important now than ever”
“It’s now your responsibility to make sure” –
“That your family tree continues to grow”
Bewildered he ask, “How did you know I didn’t have any more brothers, uncles or nephews”
“Because you just told me”, I replied
I could see in his face and in the expression of his eyes
That I had amazed him and he was now; another one of my kids
I suggested that him and I start a “Grief and Loss Program”
So I could teach him what I had taught myself
How to properly process death by stages
Shock, Denial, Blame, Anger and Acceptance
We cross paths with many faces everyday
Some we hardly even notice
Others stay with us forever
Learn to read those faces compassionately
And you will have learned
How to find the Beauty within your own
Written for Sami's contest
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