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
Copyright © Joe Flach | Year Posted 2010
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