Mollify

you called to me in darkness
raising my trembling fingers
to your tear-streaked face
'how far have we come'
you asked
as i gently stroked your cheek
'if the furthest...is forever'
how could i gaze at such abject misery
uttering not a single word
quietly i brushed the tears
from your face
as you cried
for what you once had
and reached
for what you have now
unbearable
this pain
radiating from your soul
i kissed gently
your tender lips
unable to tell you
what
i didn't know

December 18, 2002