The Counselor
They left the office and walked to their cars together.
There was no hand-holding or gentle embrace,
but some of the anger they brought had ebbed.
Eyes were softer, voices level and contained.
It had not been so the hour preceding
when tongues were sharp and reason bowed to emotion.
She screamed and called him "Tyrant! Selfish! Cold!"
He struck back with " Spoiled pampered brat!"
Each claimed the other stranger instead of mate.
Can two become strangers sharing the same bed and name?
Can chilling winds blow in places made for warmth?
Can marriage die in arenas of the commonplace?
It is not meant to be, but far too often it is so.
He goes his way and does "his thing"; she the same,
crossing trails, but never stopping as they cross
to feel each other's breath or touch,
or hear that once dear voice in frozen time.
Today each paused and heard the other's voice.
Both felt the pain and hurt each had brought
into the other's silent, unrelenting world.
Healing came slowly, painfully, with words and touch.
They left the office and walked to their cars... together.
Dedicated to dear, departed friend, Dr. Glenn Booth
of Minister's Counseling Service, Baptist General Convention
of Texas
