Poem (and photo) by Melinda Bruno-Smith
*
I feel the loss, as you do.
My heart aches for something to hold on to
Comfort to ease the pain, the fear of not knowing.
*
It’s like a raft has pushed away
from the shore of my knowing
With me on it
And you are there too, six feet apart.
*
We are floating to a distant land,
alone and together.
What can I bring that is useful?
*
This letting go of what I have grown used to
Is so hard
There is an empty space now
that has taken its place
The center is dark, quiet, peaceful
All action suspended, intensified.
*
What shall I let in to heal?
Light, music, beauty,
A smile, a virtual hug,
A prayer to carry me through to the next place.
*
I must have faith and trust
that the universe will provide me
with everything I need
for a safe and guided journey
Wherever the final strand may be.
*
I have no choice
but to be present to myself and
to all those around me,
To breathe deeply
Because I believe, the choices I make now
will be there to greet me at the next shore.