Christmas Eve

Walking away he held his head high
Too proud to spill out the words that filled his mouth
Over and over to himself he repeated
The only clear thought inside his head
“She must not see. She must not see”.
Inside he could feel his heart breaking
And clearly the pain it was causing
And as he turned the corner the tears filled his eyes
Until they became contained no more
And the grief then overwhelmed him
Forcing him to his knees
He opened his mouth and emitted a silent scream
A scream that only the angels could hear