Two Visitors

 

Two visitors

Visiting

Chatting

At opposite ends

On a sofa

That stretches

Into eternity.

His words

Casual

Evasive

Guarded

Not to intone

Emotion.

Her ears

Listening

Deciphering

Codes

Still not known.

His eyes

Lifeless,

Extinguished

By fear.

Her eyes

Watchful,

Troubled

By the torment

That rages

Behind his.

His hands

Folded

Clutching only

Their own.

Her hands

Hungry,

Searching,

Yet restraining

Desire.

His heart

Shut down

By too many

Despairing years.

Her heart

weary,

Knowing

It's time

To go home.

 

Barbara Benjamin

Free Verse

BBP119