To One in Pain

No amount of proffered empathy can comfort you in the depths of your pain and keening grief.

But I surround you with love and call upon the visible and invisible forces of love to help us both know the next best step to take.

Hello on the Streets in Brooklyn

A stranger said hello to me today.

Journeying in opposite directions, 

We passed each other on the street.

Making eye contact in the wake of his greeting,

Holding my gaze in return, I felt him present.

And though we kept on walking,

I proffered a sweet hello, 

Meeting his offer of brief connection 

With awareness and a lingering smile.