Grief's Cloak

Posted by: Laurel D Rund

Grief's Cloak - 04/14/10 09:47 PM

Grief’s Cloak was written close to the one year marker of my husband's death. We had been married for 42 years.
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I thought I had taken off grief’s cloak,
so that its heaviness would be lifted and
that my pain and sadness would fade away.
I needed to do that in order to find out
where and who I was without you.

And then I found my joy, my spirit -
my own special light.
I grew wings, felt myself fly, lifted;
excited by this newfound sense
of discovery and freedom.

The cloak disappeared as I soared.
Dipping and riding the waves of the air’s currents,
able to change direction
without fear coursing through my veins.
I was discovering life’s possibilities.

There is a rainbow of creativity emerging from me.
I could land gently to take in a new experience,
and then fly off in yet another direction,
moving ever forward on my life's journey.

But, was I also trying to outrun grief?
It was waiting for me up ahead
the task of mourning wasn’t finished.
As the anniversary of your death approached,
Grief clipped my wings and brought me back to sorrow.

Grief’s cloak is a reminder that my sadness
is real and can't be wished away.
And, if not acknowledged, it will weigh me down.
So … Welcome back Grief.
I acknowledge your presence!
My sorrow is a reminder of what was,
what is, and what will be.

The story of us is woven into the fabric of my wings.
You will be part of me forever …
And, we shall always be connected.

Flying apart, now in different forms and space;
you ahead of me, lighting the way...
providing the wind upon which I soar.
Gently guiding me, yet giving me
the freedom to steer my own course…
As you always did!

Laurel D. Rund
1/6/09

"And to make an end is to make a beginning”
T.S. Eliot
Posted by: chatty lady

Re: Grief's Cloak - 04/14/10 10:18 PM

Just beautiful Lauren, your poem made me remember my own husband whom I lost after 14 wonderful years together. You are just full of talent...
Posted by: AvalonBlondi

Re: Grief's Cloak - 04/14/10 10:31 PM

Laurel..I have the chills!!!...you are so fortunate to be able to express yourself in such a deep and insightful way...

I am so happy that you have found your wings and are looking forward to the future...Thanks for sharing your poems here.