The Quiet Music Of The Deaf Poem by Maureen Emily Orr

Near Grand Central Station
two women sign the deaf language
with gestering hands
in muted motions
oblivious
to the activity
of the thronging Christmas shoppers.
Santas cluster
ringing charity bells
in vertical rhythm
and
their noses
chilled crimson in frost
sniff street vendor coffee
steaming and spurting into foam cups.
The two women speak
in mirrored words
mouthed in quiet
from the harmony of their thoughts
as their faces express lighthearted smiles
brightening the evening shade
pausing momentarily
before parting into the midst
of the noise.