As Ever Like the Sun & Moon at War

4- ☼☼ -III

The many hours passing by without

th'return of Doctor start to take their toll

on Spouse's wavering resolve, which brings

first nagging at the corners of her mind,

then quicken'd pulse and sweat betwixt her palms

so clasp'd together; finally the tears

that well and soon begin to stream and fall

across her cheeks and grow to gentle sobs,

which cause her turn toward the Earth to let

this moisture sink into the harden'd dirt                10

of which the floor is made to water Her,

but also hide th'embarrassment she feels

at breaking down in stranger's company.

But Saunterer's unshaken by this show

and places single hand upon her back,

extending strength and comfort to the Spouse

who wails louder for th'acknowledgement

as if a leaking dam hath finally

behind her eyes collaps'd and given way;

her tears are uncontrollable and hot,                20

her crying's inconsolable and loud,

yet still the Saunterer provides his hand

for her to hold when readiness allows

and when she rises and he draws away

from on her back, she reaches for its grasp

to squeeze it like a sponge t'exude more strength.

"Continue praying," says he once she's stopp'd

her weeping and can think again direct.

"Thy voice is louder than thou thought before;

Conviction and emotion here display'd                30

shall reach our Parents' ears far greater than

the quiet prayer of even pious men."

She nods in thanks and finds herself transfix'd

by th'eyes that gaze at her with sympathy,

perhaps reminding her of Husband's hue

or shape or size; she can not pin it down,

yet ever is she drawn regardless what

the reason is, and closer do those eyes

approach, it seems, or rather do those lips,

but only doth she notice this when clicks                40

the door before them, whereat she withdraws

to notice—to surprise of hers—that she

was th'one who lean'd toward the other's form.

She casts th'event from mind as Doctor comes

to enter th'house and close the door behind,

the mask still on her face from earlier