Her sad eyes
looked into my own,
and I looked away,
unable to bear the weight
of her gaze.
How did you not know?
she asked.
“I never set out to do it,
not deliberately.”
And yet, it is a part of you now.
“So it would seem.”
Will you nurture it?
“I’ve little choice.
I’ve written way too many now
to turn back.
I don’t think they’ll let me anyway.”
That seemed to bring her comfort,
and she smiled
as I wiped
her tears away.
I would have hated to leave you.
“I would’ve hated to see you go,
but peace now, Poetry.
I’m not leaving, so
come take my hand
and open your gift.”