Innocent Email
By John A'Hern
Innocent email arrived today
From a friend not far away
The content read, then read again
Just saying hello and how are you
Exchanges between friends over backyard fence
She spoke of issues as good friends can
Words used like blows to the head
Death and gloom are her companions
Deep breath taken preparing myself
A visit was made to a sick friend
Two hours of listening to horror stories
A time given a sentence to be served
Time and pain her constant companions
I sat and slowly sank into surrounding darkness
Clearing possessions, her only thought
Clear the decks good for the soul
Tears had flowed until none were left
Able to talk of death and its intent
In a daze we said our farewells
Left her standing on the edge of a precipice
A lonely figure waving farewell
My mind unable to comprehend
I now sit at my desk so confused
Attempting to say what is best
This is the line where I must stop.
