(Inspired by Barb's "Mrs. Dorsey")

No Hearts to Hold

Not one remembered this Valentine's Day
to send a small token as a tiny ray
of sunshine to brighten the gloom
of her room.

She brushed at the tear on
her pale, wrinkled cheek,
mulling over the slights of which
she'd never speak.

She thought of the children
she'd raised with such pride
and longed that just one could
abide by her side.

Then shaking her shoulders in
swift change of mood,
reminding herself she was loved
by her brood

she smiled as she whispered,
"They're busy that's all.
No doubt in a moment they'll
remember and call."

By: Joyce 2/21/04