Returning

I have been on a long journey, he said,
and his accent sounded different.
I considered him odd, and was not sure if he deserved
my pity or my contempt.
I have been away because I had to be,
he continued seriously. There were things
I had to do, demons to struggle with,
conclusions to reach.
And have you reached them, I asked
with utmost kindness and civility. Yes,
he said, yes, I believe I have,
and he showed me his hand,
and shamed me to silence
with the ugliness of his wound.

January 9 2015