The Rules of Engaging Grief

I wrote the following poem in West Virginia on the first anniversary of Donna’s death. Later in this volume I explain how time began to lose its “timeliness” in that it was difficult to believe that my friend had left a year earlier.

“Cherry Blossoms”

The cherry blossoms
Coming into bloom
Remind me
That one year has passed

Since you departed
From our view.

I remember last year,
Just after your passing,
How sad I felt to think
That you had just missed

The blossoms –
After the harsh winter snows.

Perhaps in my sorrow –
Too soon to see the meaning –
I missed them

As a sign for us
To celebrate your transition
To the Light.

This year in joy the blossoms
Remind me of your presence