Tears from the Veil

A distance away I heard a voice a noise so mute yet so loud A sob, a cry, maybe a laugh the long river between us I longed to cross Could he be a miss could she be a man Out of the woods I made my way and saw a girl beneath a veil through the haze, the blurred view a man beside her, silent and sombre friend, lover, brother or her man my mind raced to comprehend The leaves ruffled, the birds flew as she saw him. now ready to leave No words spoken, just the eyes cried the moist air took the haze away Then I saw that lovely face, the veil on her lap She cried again Conscious not yet, I held out my hand as if to hold the man's steps A traitor or a failed lover a common man or a soldier of fortune Is he the man who guards the fort I waited there, hoping he would stay...But ...but.... He went away and there she lay and under the veil again she came With a sinking breath I watched her sigh......