lost and found

For some, life is read on palms---delicate lines of days passed, and those of a promised future.
The battles and loss of this man’s life is full-body armor. Prior to speaking, this is understood. If you care to notice.

His eyes scan and study everyone in the barroom. Brief facial expressions denote his interpretation. Dialogue is earned.

My eyes catch his unbreakable concentration. With a tilted stare, he searches me for understanding. Once satisfied, he continues.

"After my wife’s death, I was met with this group…well, my family---MY KIDS. I was lost."