Max Reif - Reminder

Yesterday in a letter
I playfully scolded
an old friend,

then vainly searched
his reply this morning
for a sign of wit

or even friendship.
Remind me to be careful
approaching old friends,

or anyone—we never know
what grief a soul may be nursing
beneath a shell of frozen smiles.

Max Reif

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/reminder/