The Rules of Engaging Grief

A walk before dawn during a Northeaster inspired this poem.

“Night Shadows”

Rain hurtles northwest,
Across a black ocean,
In apprentice folly
Rough white-splash paints waves

Which outline the darkened beach,
Scattered debris raised from the deep;
And in this turmoil I seek
To travel night shadows

Out beyond the reckless surf
Where waves tower high,
Break sudden and uneven;
Wind howls swift to drown out

Thoughts of grief in counterpoint
Where peace reigns in this clamor,
As I ride a wave to the depth,
Rise high in breathless chill,

Then descend again eyes tight
In salt spray as white lights flicker
From shore sanctuaries clothed
In doubt and hesitation.