The Exchange

He walked with a 9 mm drawn,

Toward the house of his perceived enemy...

an angry man with murder on his mind.

I saw him and whispered in his ear...

What do you hold in your heart?

He ignored me

and kept walking...

I asked again,
what do you hold in your heart?
He looked at me with a questioning gaze,
then turned away.

I tapped his shoulder,
and his shoulders sagged.

He cried with tears in his eyes, "I feel hatred and want revenge."

He looked down and had no more words.

I showed him my hands.
"Take these and give me
your hatred, your vengeance."
I can bear them, you cannot.
I see your soul; the light is dim.

You must find your light by letting these things go,
and I must find mine by helping you -
for you are my friend..

and I am yours.

Together can we end this cycle of madness.

He turned to me and I took his gun... gently

We both breathed in the Spring like air

and watched as a crow flew by

Then walked back to his house....

and sat on the steps in silence.....