When death comes
you find yourself
trying to catch up to it,
to face facts,
like pulling on a
winter coat
when the cold has
already
bitten you clean
through
and all that’s left
is
dark
acceptance.
You’ve had the denial,
the
anger,
the
bargaining,
the
depression.
Now, you’re hunkering
down
with no more Why God
on your tongue.
You’ve realized what
a colossal waste of time
that has proven to be,
as some questions
simply remain
unanswered—
Heaven
silent
to your suffering.
But you pray, anyway.
Breathe in – sharp
pain.
Breathe out – cry.
Breathe in – dull
pain.
Breathe out –
a
season of counted breaths
you decided to take
in spite of the ache.
One broken foot in
front of the other,
wincing as you wait.
For what? You don’t know, but—
…snow…
…begins
to…
…fall
gently…
somehow bringing
a small peace, a
light comfort
in the way of things.
You watch children
catch flakes on their
tongues,
listen to giggles
and excited chatter
as they toss
snowballs,
and soon realize
Heaven
isn’t silent anymore.
© 2013 Jennifer
Wagner
For
the Poetry Jam prompt: What Brings You Comfort? Snow is comforting to me…watching it fall…the way it settles, covers everything, and of
course watching kids play in it.
I’ve
been in Las Vegas for my son’s baseball tournament so it’s great to be back and
see what I’ve missed. Looking forward to
making rounds and catching up with what you all have written!