Give me a shoulder. Anybody.

You, sir. Please, just a moment. Do you have a shoulder for me? Oh you’re in a hurry to get somewhere. OK. No, no, that’s all right. Thanks anyway.

Excuse me, may I borrow your shoulder- just for a few moments. I have these tears that need to land somewhere. Your shoulder would be a perfect place. Would you mind the damp? The faint dried salt lines? No? I’m sorry to have bothered you.

Ma’am, could you help me please? I need a shoulder. Yes, your shoulder ma’am. No, I’m not crazy. Not a stalker. I just need your shoulder ma’am. You see, it’s hurting me really bad inside. I’ve been crying for 3 days and 3 nights. Everything is cold and wet. I need somewhere dry to rest my face. A soft landing for these tears to fall. A soft curve that would cradle my head. A hand perhaps, if you are generous enough, to hold my sob-racked body, to stroke my hair, to hush me. Could you please help me, ma’am?

Someone. Anyone. Please. Help me catch these tears. Don’t let them fall. I weep for my beloved and I cannot waste another drop on these cold, hard pavements. These are for her. Please hold me so I can hold what little I have left of her.

Someone. Anyone. Please, lend me a shoulder.