The Life of Grief

Grief first falls like a Wile E. Coyote
flattening boulder. We are pinned to the
ground, wondering how it is still possible
to draw breath under all that weight.

Over time, grief transforms to a heavy
cloud raining torrents of Eeyore gloom,
attempting to darken our days and nights
with soul weakening whispers of woe.

Finally it becomes small enough to carry.
We use it like Sylvester’s magic pebble
to recall sweet memories, hoping to feel
the presence of those who have departed.

But every once in a while, the boulder
descends again to immobilize us. We must
remember to breathe in our pain and
reach for the love that will always remain.

Cinse Bonino
2021