story
they say
that the most giving people,
give what want given to them most.
all of my life
i've given
attention.
i listened to others' stories.
i heard their pleas for
a shoulder to bear it with.
i was there.
then someone comes along.
someone always
comes along,
and gives you what you want
given to you most:
attention.
they listen to your stories.
they hear your pleas.
they become the shoulder to bear it upon.
they are there.
then all of a sudden,
their days become shorter:
less inviting of your time.
they stop
listening.
they stop
hearing.
they are gone.
and then it's just you.
still listening
to the stories of others.
still hearing
and bearing it upon your shoulders.
but now you're just waiting
for someone.
to listen.
to hear.
to never leave.