When I was young
there was a person
who would listen to me
especially when I was upset.

Although he had arthritis
and he himself was suffering,
he would listen to me patiently.

Whenever I was sad,
I would go to see him
with a box of tissues.
He was my spiritual blotter.

How wonderful
to have a person
who would listen and
blott my tears!

With aging
I cry less for myself,
perhaps because
I have fewer problems.

My tears are
not for myself now
but for others who suffer.

Can I be in turn
a spiritual blotter
for those who suffer?
(June 20 2022)