her eyes

You remember the look in her eyes

the day she came into your office

holding his hand to tell you

today was her last day of work.

He said they were moving

to make a new start.

She asked for prayers

and you said of course.

You handed her your card.

He placed it in his pocket,

put his arm around her shoulder

and drew her in.

You gave your best advice

and let them leave.

Last week, you read they matched

a cold case Jane Doe’s DNA

and 40 years on,

you remember the look in her eyes

the day she came into your office

holding his hand asking for prayers.

9-2-22