He noticed her at his mother’s funeral
which was a great consolation.
He was unable to get away
to thank her for stopping by
but it was perhaps the most meaningful visitor
he saw on the day
other than the deceased
(though if she hadn’t shown up
it would be a very different
sort of occasion!).

He wanted to offer her
his great appreciation
for her kindness that day
and devote as much attention
as she would allow
but he never found the chance
before he left the town
and moved away
where he thought about her
more and more
until, like his mother,
his love for this girl,
too, passed away.