Silence

Silence

We pushed the food around
on our plates -
our favorite meal
but we were not hungry.

My father's biopsy results
were due back that evening -

         Mom promised to call
         as soon as they knew anything

and every time the phone rang
our hearts stopped -
as if we already knew
what was coming.

I can still remember
what a beautiful evening it was.
The windows were wide open
the cool evening breezes
of late spring washing over us -
my favorite time of year in Illinois ...
We just sat and enjoyed it
without needing to talk
savoring the moment
before everything would change.

Finally she called,
and time stood still

         and hasn't really started up again

My hello
was met by
a deafening silence
on the other end.

I waited,
heard her choke back a sob
and then -

         It's cancer

Then nothing -
for in that moment
there wasn't anything
either of us could say.
Though we spoke volumes
in the silence that followed.