Adelaide B. Shaw

The Listener

A friend tells me a secret. Confides her intimate fears, her worries. What should I say? I see in her face the lines, the tension. Should I give advice or just listen and give support? In truth, it seems like prying and not my business to know. It’s a heavy responsibility, this position of confidant. I don’t welcome it…yet…

tightly closed buds
a blossoming pink cloud
waiting for warmth