Just Jennie
(Dedicated to Jennie Martin)

You held your hand out for me to hold

And I held it so tightly,

But felt nothing.

I couldn’t feel the softness of your skin

Or the grip of your fingers

Wrapped around mine.

But still, I know you held my hand.

You wiped my tears as they ran down my face

And they stopped pouring because of you.

I could see you there, washing them all away,

But the touch of your skin

Never met my cheeks.

Still, I know you dried my tears.

When my heart lay shattered on the floor

In pieces beyond repair,

So sharp, splintered and cold,

I watched as you put them back in place.

I couldn’t feel them there, but I knew

I was no longer empty as before.

When broken glass lay scattered at my feet

And my fist bled burning tears

To scold a mocking reflection,

My wounds were healed

By the comforting words that I could hear,

But somehow were never heard.

When I was alone, you were my friend,

The one who was always there

But never in my reach.

My outstretched arms

Needed someone inside

And yet it could never have been you.

You waved me goodbye and smiled,

The same smile I’d see for so long.

I knew this was forever

But it would only be tomorrow.

You were out of my sight,

But never from my heart.

---

©2004 Emma J J