The Visitor

I am afraid that I have some bad news for you.
May I come in? Yes, I think you had better sit down.
Perhaps you should have a cup of tea. Milk and sugar?
Your mouth is dry and your heart is beating fast.
You know what I shall say but yet you cling to hope.
Only five minutes ago your world was still intact.
You had your life with its little ups and downs.
It was full of plans for pulling down and building barns.
You were even feeling irritated and resented
That other one and through your head went regrets
And thoughts of other whens. Now all is gone.
Soon the neighbours will be round, bringing eager sympathy
And offers of their help. They will stand all round
Your windows, cleaning them and peering in.
And you sit there, staring at your hands
Trying to put together pieces that will not fit,
Reading your book with all the pages torn.

Well, I must say goodbye. I have others to see.
You know that I am busy. But sometime
I will call again. I will see you then.