Words and Letters

The kindest word may hide its true intent

on ears that capture nothing of the tone,

and find a niche of meaning that is sent

by gesture hidden in the face alone.

Old friends conversing on a bench in fall

conceal an animus among the leaves

harkening back to times revealing all

that neither friend believes.

Friends are dear who lie with words and looks

since what is taken in is whole and true,

and truths we find in poetry and books

do only that which words in print can do.

Our distant letters lie with style and grace

far from the nuances of frown and smile,

but in between the words there is a face

that, remembered, conjures love or guile.

So, tell the truth and make the words alive

with that which carries honesty’s intent,

and wait for what may soon arrive

and in that be content.