Just Hug Me

By Candace (Mayberry) Evans

You see me in person
Going about my day.
Life goes on even after tragedy.
“How are you doing?”
You ask, really wanting to know.
I feel the heaviness always;
Don’t want to burden anyone.
“I’m doing okay.”
I really am. But I’m not, too.
You sense my unseen sorrow.
“Mourn with those that mourn:”***
You want to do this for me.
Words seem inadequate
And they are.

So just hug me,
No words necessary.
“Can I hug you?”
If you must speak aloud.
Linger in the embrace,
I feel you say
“I’m sorry. I care.”
Unspoken words drive deep.
Hug the words of your heart to me,
Absorb a piece of my sorrow.
My return embrace,
Shoulders relaxing,
A little grief freed, says,
“You care…you remember. Thank you.”

***Mosiah 18:9, The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ

Jordan, Ashton & Jacob Mayberry