Connections

I saw a kindly friend in church today--
 I say "a friend" because I know her well
 Like all the rest, her name, address, the way
 She smiles and says, "good morning," takes 
 Her seat four seats away from mine.
 An hour later we chat pleasantly
 Exchanging greetings, polite concerns, feeling 
 Nothing.
 
 I stopped in town to see a relative
 We get along, but don't see eye to eye--
 A bit of cake, a cup of tea, a word
 Or two.."how are the kids?"  Answers we
 Already know,  and I go home.
 "I see you're back. How soon till lunch?
 Where is the paper? The TV guide? The puppy
 Food?  Did you forget?  You seem upset."
 No, I'm fine. 
 
 I shut them out, believing they don't really care
 So long as clothes are clean and lunch is there
 On time. I sign on to the Internet..
 American On Line, and see a friend.
 
 Your words on screen, your picture near at hand,
 Your voice recalled like music in my mind....
 You read a phrase or two and understand
 And send your gentle words through fiberoptic
 Lines to soothe an empty heart. Our fingers touch
 The keys--in unison at  times as thoughts
 Identical connect our hearts.
 I watch for you, and you for me
 And breath a small contented sigh that you are here,
 And that even distanced as we are
 You know and care.
 
 Some acquaintance calls---a mundane thing.
 Our physical connection will be lost,
 But your voice, your face, your imagined touch,
 Your undemanding love, your words
 Will give me strength for one more day--will tuck
 themselves into the hollow spots--and shield
 My heart from those so close they cannot see.

friendshiprelationshipfree verse

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