for fear her sadness will turn his heart into stone he does not look up the smoke rises like incense from her full ashtray as she prepares the ritualistic meal setting an extra place at the table an offering perhaps to orbona for a child stolen away without leaving a forwarding address
The image above is a modified photograph from deviantart.com by ngambone.
Too sad.
For Charlie’s readers:
In Roman mythology, Orbona was the goddess who granted new children to parents who had become childless. She was also the goddess of children, especially orphans.
Read Between the Minds 
Love the contrast of emotion
one is stone
one is fearful, hopeful
how does a heart turn to stone??
Another fantastic poem Charlie
Too sad.
For Charlie’s readers:
In Roman mythology, Orbona was the goddess who granted new children to parents who had become childless. She was also the goddess of children, especially orphans.
Heartbreaking. A cracking finish.
And your verse is like a candle by the alter, simple yet so moving.
Whoa!
nancy
well expressed sentiments.
hope it works…
Happy weekend.
a heart breaking post charles. you wrote it with all your heart and soul. i thought only women can feel this immense pain.
Too sad; the image of the empty place setting breaks my heart…
if only Orbona could bring her back…
Helplessness and despair. How very sad, Charles.
Stunning poem Charles – had to look up orbona but now I am the wiser 🙂 Very sad.
Excellent Poetry Charles-very heartfelt )-:
such a sad commentary…..
Very sad, but beautiful in the contrast of emotions.
Gets directly to the pain of the matter.
Aaahh.. the frosty atmosphere.. and the even more chilling reason behind it all..
Well portrayed, Charles!! Very vivid indeed!
this was brillaint ! very much touching !