When I'm Sad - Oct. 30, 2021

the ones I seek for welcome

shadows open their doors

arms folded no greeting

life can be cruel

the train or subway squealing to a stop

scaring the baby in mother’s arms

or subtler the wound no one sees

sometimes a hundred nicks of flesh

later felt in the sting and burn

time and the silent darkness

the doctor and the bandage

ready me for the bright busy world

I leave with a neutral smile

gratitude to those dark ghosts

for not cheering me up

letting me sulk in the waiting room

without an appointment

was just what I needed