the delay
a young man
holds a single rose
behind his back
       and stands—
watching the travelers disembark.

he fidgets
with the flowered stem;
his fingers press
       the thorns;
waiting to sight the one he loves.

passengers
walk by him, then few
alone are left.
       concerned;
his heart is pierced with double pain.


... later that
evening, unaware,
she holds his hands;
       the wounds
of worried doubt now warm with care.

resilient;
faith's tender skin heals
against his heart;
       enduring
much of love's uncertain certainties.