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!
:)love the way of presentation
ReplyDeletesmiles...you def capture a bit of the journey through grief...from the anger and hurt, to sadness...to understanding and hearing heaven once more....really nicely done jennifer....
ReplyDeletewonderful write,, with a ray of light at the end...
ReplyDeleteA journey into hope with a forlorn feeling of gravity in there. Quite beautiful
ReplyDeleteI could feel this going from dark to light! Love, love, love your last line! The days when the light doesn't come on; those are the hard ones, yes, but we press on knowing the Light is there.
ReplyDeleteI love watching rain and snow falling! Isn't it nice when coming out of our pain, opening our eyes to what's around us, can bring comfort?
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful, Jennifer. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLove your reflections, Jennifer. I do think sometimes heaven seems to be silent, but then once again out of the stillness comes the comfort that was sought. Hope your son did well with his tournament.
ReplyDeleteI like your expression of raw grief and the feeling of hopelessness we perceive until snow begins to fall. It does have a soothing and comforting effect somehow.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful, poem, Jennifer, and so evocative of the grieving process. The title is lovely and perfect - and has come to my mind several times today.
ReplyDeleteThis is so good - poignant, relatable, inspirational, v. well-written. Love the title too. I'll surely come back to read this again.
ReplyDeleteGot to say, this is quite a journey you take us on with snow as the conclusion/new beginning. A lovely piece of writing Jennifer and welcome back too!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, what a potent poem, first gut wrenching and then softly unfurling and the light shines--perfect ending! Welcome back :-)
ReplyDeleteThe snow imagery is very powerful. A beautiful poem --- thoughtful and introspective without being the least bit maudlin.
ReplyDeletePicturesque write. It is like magic how little things can ease pain and suffering.
ReplyDelete