A Message for Naomi (*)

I met you once

            at a conference,          

            and we talked

            after your presentation,

praising each other’s

            contributions to our lives;

I hugged you hard and wept,

            and you hugged me back, gently,

What I needed just then.

 

I wanted to write you

            to make sure you’re ok,

            to give you the hug

            you might need, just now, weeping.

(*) Naomi Shihab Nye