Against the Backdrop

On a hard bench in the Cineplex lobby
brightly lit, cavernous,
two women alone in the holiday crowd,
one weeping as though her world is lost,
the other holding, comforting her.
It was years ago, but still
I can't forget the sight.
Against a raucous backdrop of concession lines,
mothers with kids, teenagers laughing—
why did this scene catch my eye?
They could have been sisters, lovers,
friends. Whatever pain was endured,
it must have been eased
by this tenderness.
Now, every time I give comfort
or am comforted, that image
reappears. Is it worth the pain
to be held in this consolation?