From your face I knew he’d told you

Things we had guessed before.

I saw you slightly tremble

But I reached you ere you fell.

Your fixèd face said many things

More than you cared to tell.

One does not receive death warrants

As one would a courtesy.

After awhile your head went up

And you talked it all out with me.

Brave little woman I knew you

Knew you were never afraid.

Not for yourself, You forbid me—

To speak and my questions you staid.

All I could give was silence.

Your pride forbade me much.

Tho’ I longed to bear your burden

Even to be your crutch.

{36}

The Breath of Life

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