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They made code marks on the calendar 

for those days when a letter would come 

from one of the children and a different mark 

on the occasion of a long-distance call _

There was a bright red ball-point pen 

hanging from a string over the calendar page 

ready to emblazon a badge of cheer

upon the little white square of that day

which was livelier and happier because 

a letter had come or a voice had been heard 

and they could talk with each other comfortably 

about the beloved ones far away _

They felt it was a nice way to be included 

without intruding, to reach out gently 

without prying, and so to keep alive 

the tender, anxious, oneness of their loving _

They never told any of the children about it though 

it might seem rather childish to them 

only a sentimental little game 

amusingly suitable for old folks back home 

and after all

all that mattered 

was their love 

for the children _