To My Sister In L.A. Poem by RIC BASTASA

and so you have learned
how to take the train
and be silent along the way
seeing the trees
and green patches of grass
and buildings and houses
rushing to meet you
through the glass windows

for how long shall you grieve
and heal that bleeding heart
for how long shall you go away
from the clutches
of pain
inflicted by a loved one

time simply waits

out there
far from us in that foreign land
you shall find your
balms

take care my dear sister
do not let your heart be weakened

let it be strong and kind