The Journey Inward

Grief is not just for the dead.

We grieve loss of innocence, loss of childhood,
We grieve lack of connection, feelings of isolation,
We grieve the experience of traumas, regardless of size,
We grieve feeling silenced, helpless and small,
We grieve paths not taken, what ifs, why didn'ts,
We grieve disappointments, disillusionment, rejection,
We grieve loss of relationships, jobs, trust, independence, mobility,
We grieve infertility, illness, disease, change,
We grieve children growing up, moving out, onward. 

Grief is with us every day,
In soft shock waves of awareness,
And bold blasts that knock us back.

We cry productive tears of healing,
For the bittersweet taste of grief.

Photo:  The National Museum of African American History and Culture, 9.24.23.  By LA