As my dear friend Reeny stepped closer,
              a pensive air
cast a shadow on her luminescent eyes
incongruous with the pleasant late winter’s day
                                       I knew my life would be forever changed

She maintained her composure,
              high-wire walker without a net
yet, an unbidden tear
              slipped softly down her cheek
        like gentle rain
                dripping
                      off
                      the
                    roof

             Her deep breath

             In calm and direct manner
Took my hand firmly, tenderly, like picking up a baby bird
             And spoke from her own feelings:

            “You better sit down. It’s about Darcie. There’s been . . .”