Of Pipe Dreams and Shoulders

She told me the worst news

After all I’ve learned
and all I’ve heard
and all I’ve lived
I had no idea what to say
what to do

I’m older
and said to be wiser
but in the face of her pain
and in answer to her questions
I had nothing

I only ever wanted to shield
to guide
to nourish
but those were only ever
pipe dreams

I want my role as her elder
to be active
a job
with satisfying tasks
and clear outcomes

But today
I was just a soft place
to land
a quiet shoulder
to lean on

I know
I know you
I am a piece of you
and we are still here
and we will continue

I love you