comforting distraction

words that mean absolutely nothing
bring the tormented to an even kilter
when just conversation with another
human being
can distract us from the tragedy
unfolding in our lives---
like a bedside manner for the
laywo/man, one in which the soft
tones of speech
which we all possess &
use like secret hiding places
for our innermost thoughts,
sprinkling them out to a young child
who commands a respectfully quiet
way in the talk they receive or
a lover, who in the most intimate moments
calms the senses,
possibly it is the elder family members
who take in the most comfortable
whispers, with a gentle running of the
fingers through what hair is left
when they lay there
sick & passing
during the hospital years---
such comforting distraction comes to us all
if we are lucky,
if we can count on the compassion of others
to see our deepest need for it.