While You Were Flicking Ash

I watched and latched onto

a few new verbs to try.

 

Fidgeted in line with quivering 

leaves left over from the fall.

 

Winter had stalled oncoming spring 

flinching microscopic growth.

 

I asked about your cough.

You doffed your cap. 

 

My aptitude for empathy played 

a hymn. A requiem.