First appeared in Common Threads (2025)
Among the servers in the crowd,
Among the clattering dish-ware sounds,
Among the families’ laughter loud
Sits a man, alone in silence.
He stares toward her empty plate.
He stares and thinks it’s worth the wait.
He stares, expects her to be late
As he sits, alone in silence.
He knew anniversaries,
He knew happy memories,
He knew duets, her and he,
As he sits, alone in silence.
He hears not the crowd apart.
He hears not her singing part.
He hears now her silent heart
As he sits, alone in silence.