Insensitive

”Hi, Jane, haven’t seen you for a couple of years – I thought you’d have a kid by now, you used to be so keen.”
Silence. No quick response.

I moved away, not wanting to intrude.
That poor Jane, is her questioner thoughtless,
nosey, or just plain unkind and rude?
Does she know what heartaches may be hidden,
of any change of circumstances in those years,
illness, or miscarriage sudden,
or infertility, still birth, or private mystery,
to risk embarrassment in loudly asking for the history
in public.
When we speak or question do we think
of what effect our words will have on the one to whom we speak?
Have we genuine concern, or fake –
intrusive, insensitive, careless cheek,
for callous gossip?

This is fictional, but based on comments made to me this week about often overhearing such insensitive queries, and wishing people would not be nosey, and be very wary about such personal matters.

[IP: from overheard snippet of conversation]