I tuck my arm around your grizzled neck,
Pull you into my bosom.
Your sweat slowly gets my shirt collar.
We hold each other.
I take your chin up toward my eyes.
Locked in a stare, thoughts of childhood are ghosts,
And the boulders of wear and tear push down.
Breathing finally slows and the waves settle.
There, a brief, twinkle in your eye beams.
It could have been a tear too small to fall over your cheek,
But a twinkle nonetheless.
Enough to warm me; warm you.
You keep your head upright as I move my palm
Across your beaded forehead and into your hair.
I lean my forehead into yours.
In silence, we weep.
