comforting distraction

words that mean absolutely nothing

bring the tormented to an even kilter

when just conversation with another

human being

can distract us from the tragedy

unfolding in our lives---

like a bedside manner for the

laywo/man, one in which the soft

tones of speech

which we all possess &

use like secret hiding places

for our innermost thoughts,

sprinkling them out to a young child

who commands a respectfully quiet

way in the talk they receive or

a lover, who in the most intimate moments

calms the senses,

possibly it is the elder family members

who take in the most comfortable

whispers, with a gentle running of the

fingers through what hair is left

when they lay there

sick & passing

during the hospital years---

such comforting distraction comes to us all

if we are lucky,

if we can count on the compassion of others

to see our deepest need for it.