Molly Frederick’s most recent poem to appear here was “Blade” (February 2017)
In the Pause
By Molly Frederick
Quietly, I watched as wisdom
prepared to speak.
A flicker of sunlight shimmered
around her mouth, giving me hope.
But still she said nothing.
I waited.
The light changed.
Almost to speak, she nearly spoke.
But then she did not.
And so I continued to observe
and remained alert,
until at last I left the room.
Is she finally revealing what it was
she wanted to say?
Am I not present to hear it?
Was it just one word, or many?
Now, or . . . perhaps later?
I hope you get your answer.