you believe that saying the right thing
will dissolve the pain, that you should
know how to ascend the sunken
afloat in powerlessness without
the words to reach the aggrieved
restore their hearts to harmony
don’t be swallowed by your lacking
the right words never have been
what the grieving seek
sufficient is whole face listening
eyes intent to bridge being
ears strong enough to hear
without changing the subject
and you can do that
anyone can
make that choice
First published on VITA BREVIS PRESS 2018
For those are are grieving today. I send this to you with love.