The Girl In the Airport

She was sitting alone crying in the empty airport bar I watched her for an hour from the waiting area down the hall Fifteen minutes before boarding I’m not sure what moved me I walked up to this woman To offer some sympathy “Is everything alright ma’am? Is there anything I can do?” She lifted her head to look at me, but her eyes passed right on through “You can take a hike and leave now I’m fine and can take care of myself I don’t need some bloke hitting on me So move along and fiddle yourself” I wanted to explain myself and defend my chivalry But respected her wishes and walked away quietly I slipped into the men’s room Feeling awfully sad I didn’t mean to upset her I guess my choice was bad When I came out of the restroom, she no longer was sitting there As others boarded my airplane, I stood staring at the empty chair I was the last one down the jetway To board the six-hour flight She was sitting on the aisle way My seat just to her right The moment was terribly awkward, as I climbed over to take my seat The conversation we had but a moment ago, I did not want to repeat After settling down and buckling in She handed me a crumpled letter I read the sad story told within And understood her situation better She was headed home to a funeral; her sister, it seems, had passed After years of abusing alcohol, her liver gave out at last I simply returned the letter To her empty, open tray As she continued with her sobbing Looking the other way I adjusted my seat and pillow, ready to close my eyes My heart continued breaking as I listened to her pitiful sighs Staring out my window Watching clouds engulf the land A warm and clammy palm Reached over and grabbed my hand This is not a tale of love, or of a future relationship After six hours of flying she released her tight yet gentle grip I sat quietly and watched her leave Letting other passengers go But I would not be able to forget her This, at least, I know Walking off of the airplane, a flight attendant handed me a note I took it from her knowingly, and put it in the pocket of my coat When I got to my hotel room I took the note out and read “Sorry for being so rude” Is all the writing said I saw the obituary, in the newspaper later that day “Leaving a loving sister behind”, but the cause it didn't say I hope that she finds comfort and peace Dealing with her loss The little note that she left me Away, I’ll never toss