Silence

Ramapo Reservation ~ taken with you

Silence has filled the space between you and I

Until that day when we ran into one another

You pose the standard question to me

"How are you?"

Respectfully you pause just long enough to hear the standard answer

"Good"

I say

Such a silly question for a moment like this

After all we have been through

This is what it comes down to

The words that tumble out of my mouth do not even matter

I could have said my world was falling apart

I am being ripped at the seams

You would have offered your condolences

A kind glance

Then you would turn and walk away

Silence engulfing me as your footsteps faded down the hallway

Or I could have said that my life is great

Things haven't been better

I am filled with joy and happiness

You would nod your head

And kindly say "great to hear"

Then you would turn and walk away

Silence engulfing me as your footsteps faded down the hallway

You would not celebrate my success with me

or comfort me in my sorrow

No matter what my reply was to your question

You would still turn around and walk away

It may have been best

If you never asked the question at all

If you just nodded and said "Hi Jen"

Like all the other times we passed each other in the hall

Then silence would not engulf me as you kept walking

Right down the hall