Good Grief

Embrace
the unexpected squeeze in the throat,
the tiny sliver of pain
at the corner of the eyes as they well.

Cup the tears gently,
bathing in the wash of
sumptuous emotion.

They are the jewels we give
in remembrance, in love
for one now gone.

Let the grief come,
no matter how inconvenient.
Look even at a stranger
through swimming eyes.

The silent communion of human loss,
dissonant yet harmonious,
offers up permission to lay back

In the thick carpets and rich ruins
of memory.