between the hours, a moment held

As hour ends we stand side by side
noting the green-gold shimmer of leaves
against the brilliant blue, October sky

Evokes sorrow, which we both acknowledge
and then hold, briefly, in awkward silence
Shared stillness in the midst of the 2:30 shuffle
wanting to linger…

Abruptly pulled from resonant trance
Like the impact of a hand silencing the meditation gong.

Greeting the next hour, my forced smile
signals pooled tears to retreat without falling