A Listening Ear

When feeling down and out of sorts
We all go looking for a shoulder to lean on.
No advice is sought, no wisdom aspired
Only an arm around the shoulder and a comforting hug.

Not empathy not sympathy, not even a nod
Just a pat on the hand, a squeeze on the arm
Conveying I’m with you through it dear,
But most of all we sought, a listening ear.

So silly you say, don’t all ears listen,
Unless of course they’re hard of hearing?
No darlin’, they don’t, they’re a tad different,
Listening is an art while hearing is a function.

To listen and not comment, nor judge nor lament
To listen and be there, without trying to be wise
To listen and only listen, though tempted to speak
To take in through the ears and in the heart keep.
This art ain’t easy, it just ain’t easy.

- Rukma