mourning song

This poem was written in response to the recent loss suffered by my brother-in-law and sister-in-law.  At 21 weeks pregnant, they lost their baby.  This is an experience I've faced many times, thankfully never my own pregnancy.  

There is a wound so deep,

a pain so piercing,

that it renders the soul helpless, hopeless.

For each the circumstance different.

None less.

None more.

Death mirrors life, I know.

Natural, necessary.

But a desperately wanted,

deeply loved unborn child.

There is no understanding in that.

Certainly science can offer explanation and cause.

Though these moments beckon for something spiritual, 

a greater connection, a purpose.

As necessary as death is my belief in the connectedness of all life.

One life must be lost so another may be lived fully?

Farewell sweet Ethan.

Blessed are the moments your parents could hold you 

before you parted ways.

Befriend our dear Gracie.

Sing with her in the Heavens.

And fly.

Together.

Fly.

ice

Cold, yet beautiful.  Striking. Delicate. Causing me to retreat, to hide, to long for warmth.  Yet, when I see the sun pour through it, the weeds twinkling on the side of the road, I soften.  The brilliance stops me in my tracks and calls for me to look.  Somehow the blue of the sky, the shine of the sun juxtaposed against the clear encasing on colorless foliage that no longer lives, the white of the snow covered ground brings a feeling of peace. 

Perhaps its the awe that Nature can create beauty from lack of life and will turn this barren land into bounty within months. There is hope in that thought, an expectant promise.  If only for a moment.  For later today, the ice will be gone, gray skies returned, and it will be a dreary winter day. Again.

A Summer Rain

At first, my skin feels sticky and the air thick.

Then comes the smell - sweet, cool, wet.

Next comes the light and delicate pitter patter.

Nature's orchestra commences its concert;

first lullaby, then march.

The occasional large drop reveals the solo instrument.

The night breeze grows cool over my bare skin

and the gentle rain lulls me to sleep.

This is Peace.