A QUARTERLY DEVOTED TO POEMS AND REVIEWS

 Weak Links
    by Bernadette Dyer

You left on a Thursday afternoon in February, 
A long black limousine pulled out 
As sunlight crept in 
Through the window 
Where you used to hide behind blinds, 
And now we are afraid 
That we will be expected to be strong 
Though we are the weakest links 
With ready tears to spill, 
Tears that blinds us to malevolence 
As we at your feet 
Dad admired kindness, 
And in our shame, called to mind 
People that you did not forget, 
People whose hopes you carried 
Like pebbles in a handkerchief, 
Though your listening ear 
Had been dry from straining 
Against their pleadings, 
And you would not let us bear the pain, 
Even as together we watched 
For the horseman’s coming.