The estranged couple

[markdohle]

The estranged couple

They sat stiffly close together
yet so far apart no warmth nor light,
looking to the left and right,
or with a nervous movement seeking
a comfortable place to simply sit,
trapped next to each other.

The longing there to be seen and heard,
yet each only wanted to speak seeking understanding,
yet for themselves only,
each in too much pain to
present to the other.

Both a victim of the other,
blame screaming with each movement,
each recoiling from the others contempt,
not knowing how to scale that wall of isolation.

When speaking, it was a well-worn tape,
each playing their role,
like robots actually,
with feelings and deep emotions.

They looked to me for help,
so I simply said, you have to help each other,
learn to listen and let go of self-preoccupation.

Both felt dismayed and left disappointed. -Br.MD