body

the sound of whirring
complicated machinery
that moves you here
and there
i touch your hand

to ask how you are
seems like a mockery

and you can't even
answer

your eyes smile
strangely blessing me
offering hospitality
with warm welcome

it's Christmas
out there, anyway
in here, there's no indication

out there
people are running around
competing for parking spots
dragging bags of commerce

haggard
angry
nerves not soothed by yet another choir
in the middle of the mall
singing "all is calm..."

yet here
all is calm
for the moment
quiet

words are not our medium
because yours are trapped
all the usual conversation
people offer
seems absurd
a waste of precious oxygen

your body betrays you
will not obey your commands
but lies silent
obstinate

i choke on words
that are automatic
cliche
no theology
big enough to explain

this

your eyes connect to mine
i am vulnerable
wondering what you see
what words form for you
in our silent communication

i wonder who you are
apart from
This

you raised children
married  the one
who faithfully tends to you
now
elicited that faithfulness in him

pictures
amongst the
equipment
smiles
freedom
everyday life
never thinking then
about

walking
breathing
kissing
speaking
holding a book

never suspecting
the enemy around
the corner
ready to rob

i am here
to encourage
you
and yet
i sit
in awe

that your eyes
can still

smile