Dear Friend,

This morning I had my first cup of coffee with a lady.
She has been sharing mornings with me for over two years.
It was sad when first I saw her alone,
for she and her mate would sit side by side as Doves do.
In the nice weather when the door was open,
I could hear their contented cooing.
Their heads were near each other with shared secrets
not known by others.

Now she is alone -
another reason why feed must be provided always.
Without someone to be with her,
she will surely perish.
She was not accustomed to being alone.
I understand how she must feel,
though I am cognitive of expansive thought
and she must think of survival.

And so we watch one another
within the boundaries of our limitations
and share a bit of each day.
For we see through a glass darkly
but to meet face to face
portends fears the other will not risk.
But one of us will be sadder still
the day the other no longer watches
from behind the cloak of convention.

c.