VERONICA
Despair in children's voices,
Lace fingered prayers
Mumbled by the old.
Answers whispered by the whirlwind.
Hands touching a cold sheet,
A single warm coffee cup.
Tepid water washing down,
Loud dry air.
Salty taste of skin,
Sour of sugar remembered.
Burnt black hair,
Odor of clotted blood.
Worse than that are;
No thoughts at all.
Slowly written letters,
Tears of hopelessness.