The Rules of Engaging Grief

During the weekend in Washington, I observed a scene in a restuarant overlooking the Potomac that inspired this poem.

“Communication of the Heart”

They sat opposite at a window  
High above the city on a clear day,  
Smiled deliciously and laughed  
In silence each without capacity  
To speak or hear tongue words.  
But joyfully connected in   
Communication of the heart.   

She had long gray hair twisted   
In a disorderly braid and hands  
Expressive as she called his attention  
To oarsmen on the river far below;  
Gray and bald he followed her gaze,  
While struggling awkwardly to snatch 
Food from his plate or lift his cup.   

How they loved passionately openly  
Oblivious of patrons that surround,  
Especially a couple possessed of  
Gift speech that chose to sit rigid  
In self imposed exile alone to other,  
As laughter pealed soundlessly around 
Amidst the clatter and distant stares.  

A walk across the Potomac at dawn wth my son and grandaughter inspired this poem.

“Resurrection Sunday”

Potomac is flat and dark   
This morning - could hardly tell 
The tomb is empty.   

Yes - Resurrection Sunday,  
Though sun is not yet risen  
I can almost hear the chants  

Proclaim this mystery   
From chapels built deep in rock 
Across the river - smell incense,  

Prayers of praise lofted  
High to hasten the light.  
While some slumber tight,  

Enraptured in dream eddies    
Slipper-ed soft in carpet behind  
Stone edifices of wealth.  

Save me for the brisk breeze  
That sweeps across the water and  
Awakens to this rising sun. 

This poem seeks to capture the blessings that await one at every turn.

“Lucky Penny”

On a walk one day,
Just after dawn,
In a blustery
Winter breeze

Six quarters and
A copper penny
Lay before me
On the dark pitch road.

I knelt to retrieve
This treasure trove
Fingering each coin,
Still marveling at

My guide’s generosity
To pause me in my tracks,
Cause me to acknowledge
Blessings full - seven.

For those who search in vain
A lucky penny on the path,
Surprise awaits you
In a bounty inestimable.