The Rules of Engaging Grief

During the weekend in Washington, I observed a scene in a restuarant overlooking the Potomac that inspired this poem.

“Communication of the Heart”

They sat opposite at a window  
High above the city on a clear day,  
Smiled deliciously and laughed  
In silence each without capacity  
To speak or hear tongue words.  
But joyfully connected in   
Communication of the heart.   

She had long gray hair twisted   
In a disorderly braid and hands  
Expressive as she called his attention  
To oarsmen on the river far below;  
Gray and bald he followed her gaze,  
While struggling awkwardly to snatch 
Food from his plate or lift his cup.   

How they loved passionately openly  
Oblivious of patrons that surround,  
Especially a couple possessed of  
Gift speech that chose to sit rigid  
In self imposed exile alone to other,  
As laughter pealed soundlessly around 
Amidst the clatter and distant stares.