Grief

The Dance of a Million

Have you ever sat in the

eye of a storm? Then you know

the power of stillness.

Do you close your eyes

and listen to the sun

hum and roar? Then you know

solar storms come and go.

Do you taste the

sweet sour persimmon

not yet ripe? Then you know

sweetness is worth waiting for.

Do you hear the Blue Bunting

singing a prayer

on the wind? Then you know

the vibrant blue is like the sea.

Do you curl

in a ball from

the sound of anguished cries

no one else hears?  Then you know

tears are healing.

Do you greet new trees

with the palm of your hand on

her bark? Then you know

the Crepe Myrtle feels like smooth

Bone,

Do you hold your beloveds

close as the day’s light disappears

from view?  Then you know

why we invented fire.

Do you smell the pollen of the

Lilac blooms,

And the oil spilled in the alley? Then you

know the aroma lives in memory like photos,

Do you scream rage

into your pillow at night?

Do you weep sitting in the shower

of water falling over your head?

Do you dance

beneath the harvest moon

and howl just to feel

the rhythm of your

soul?  Then you know

the dance of grief.