Frozen

Up before dawn
And needing a cup
Writing to do
And thoughts to collect
I saw her alone
In corner so quiet
Nursing her beverage
And bruised self-respect.
No never eye contact
Though smiles I had tried
Her life at a stand-still
And doubtless she’d cried.
Was it a quarrel?
Apartment now lost?
Some friend turned deceiver?
Some burning bridge crossed?
Some bondage to substance?
That robbed strength and will?
With no “next-step” coming
Fear-frozen and still.
She hummed to the music
As sun touched the glass.
I prayed to the Son
That her trouble would pass.
But was that enough
As I started my day?
Perhaps there were words
But she’d gone away.